1 week ago
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The World Meteorological Organisation has concluded its re-accreditation visit to the Regional Training School of the Nigerian Meteorological Agency in Oshodi, Lagos.
A statement issued to PUNCH Online on Monday stated that the re-accreditation visit, which lasted for five days, was conducted by a team from the WMO Headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland, led by the Coordinator of Learning and Development, WMO Education & Training Office, Dr. Paul Bugeac.
The statement noted that, while speaking at the re-accreditation review meeting, Bugeac said that the WMO had received serious complaints about NiMet’s training school from previous years, which had left him very upset.
“Things were really bad. I am impressed by what I am seeing here now and what I have learned about the RTC in the last couple of months. It’s good to see dedicated staff taking care of the students’ hostel facilities, cleaning the rooms, and looking after the air conditioning and refrigerators, etc.
“Also, having solar panels on all the buildings to ensure uninterrupted power, without relying on the national grid. The example of Nigeria’s RTC will be shown to others. I’m impressed with the commitment, trend, innovation, and evolution at Nigeria’s RTC.
“With the new training courses and perspectives offered, we will continue our collaboration. I salute the commitment of Nigeria, and the commitment of the Permanent Representative of Nigeria to the WMO, Professor Anosike,” Bugeac said.
He thanked the Director-General/CEO of NiMet, Prof. Charles Anosike, for the hospitality extended to the WMO team and requested that NiMet forward the necessary documents to complete the re-accreditation process.
“We need to have all the documents as soon as possible because the report needs to be written, discussed, and submitted to the Capacity Development Panel so it can be promoted at the next Executive Council meeting in June 2025,” Dr. Bugeac said.
In his remarks, Anosike thanked Bugeac for acknowledging the progress the agency has made at the RTC.
“I am happy to hear that what is outstanding for our re-accreditation is just documentation. We have brilliant, hardworking meteorologists and scientists at NiMet. Documentation will not be a problem. We are usually able to get things done, not just for re-certification.
“We have achieved a lot in the four months leading to this WMO re-accreditation visit. This institution is now wearing two caps. It is also nationally recognised and accredited by the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) to offer diploma courses in related disciplines.
“We have achieved all of this because we have a courageous leader in the Honourable Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, SAN. He is committed to the transformation of this institution. He understands that meteorology is the foundation that guides safety protocols and decision-making in the nation.
“That is why he took time to travel to Geneva to meet the WMO Secretary-General. He asked me to extend his gratitude to you and take back this important message to the Secretary-General. I assure you that we will ensure the RTC becomes viable. We will wait for your reports, study them, and respond positively.”
