The Federal Government has renamed the Meteorological Institute of Science and Technology (MIST), Katsina, after Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari.
The Institution, which will now be named ‘Muhammadu Buhari Meteorological Institute of Science and Technology’, was commissioned on Thursday by President Buhari, who is on a two-day visit to the state.
Briefing the press shortly after the institute’s launch, Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NIMET) Director General Prof. Mansur Bako Matazu said that the institute which offers National Diploma courses in Meteorology, Change Sciences Climate and other related electrical and technical areas NBTE accreditation is the first of its kind in Nigeria and West Africa.
He also noted that the institute is currently seeking accreditation for the Higher National Diploma in Climate Change Science, Meteorology and Electrometeorological Technology to provide advanced training to the institute’s graduates.
According to Prof. Matazu, who is also the Permanent Representative of Nigeria to the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), the institution also offers support services and training to meteorological personnel from other African countries such as the Republic of Niger and The Gambia. He said both countries are currently studying NIMET and preparing to send more than 50 of their employees for training at the institute.
Regarding the institution’s ability to meet all of its stated objectives, Prof. Matazu said:
“NIMET has been running training activities since 1957 with facilitators within the agency, as well as professors, lecturers, and researchers from other higher institutions.
“This has helped the institute achieve its goals and is reflected in the excellent feedback given by employers of our students who have recently joined the industry.”
In addition, Professor Matazu pointed out that throughout the country, through the institute, the climate is monitored in more than 41 parameters and more than 100 stations.
