WMO Concludes Re-Accreditation Visit, Applauds NiMet’s Innovation, Commitment

The World Meteorological Organisation (WMO) recently completed an intensive re-accreditation assessment of the Nigerian Meteorological Agency’s (NiMet) Regional Training Centre (RTC) in Oshodi, Lagos.

Over five days, a team from WMO’s Geneva headquarters, led by Dr Paul Bugeac, Coordinator of Learning and Development for WMO’s Education and Training Office, reviewed the facility’s operations and developments.

The visit forms part of WMO’s eight-yearly re-accreditation process, designed to ensure high standards within meteorological training centres worldwide.

Dr Bugeac expressed satisfaction with the transformations at RTC, Oshodi, noting significant improvements and innovations that underscore NiMet’s commitment to quality and sustainability.

“Things were really bad,” he began, addressing concerns raised in previous assessments. “However, what I am witnessing now is nothing short of impressive. It’s heartening to see dedicated staff maintaining student hostels, ensuring cleanliness, and attending to amenities such as air conditioning and refrigeration.

“Solar panels on all buildings, ensuring uninterrupted power supply independent of the national grid, further demonstrate Nigeria’s proactive approach.”

Dr Bugeac commended NiMet’s integration of new courses and progressive training strategies, labelling RTC Oshodi as an example for other training centres.

“Nigeria’s RTC has set a remarkable precedent with its innovation, evolution, and commitment to the development of meteorological expertise,” he stated.

He also acknowledged the critical support from Professor Charles Anosike, NiMet’s Director-General and Nigeria’s Permanent Representative to the WMO, noting the importance of continuous collaboration.

The WMO team also discussed the finalisation of the re-accreditation process. “We require all pending documents to complete our report,” Dr Bugeac emphasised. “This report will be reviewed and forwarded to the Capacity Development Panel, with a final decision anticipated at the next WMO Executive Council meeting in June 2025.”

In response, Professor Anosike expressed pride in the progress achieved, citing the agency’s commitment to excellence.

“Our dedicated meteorologists and scientists are making remarkable strides. Documentation will not delay us, as we maintain thorough records not only for re-accreditation purposes but also for advancing our standards,” he assured.

Professor Anosike highlighted the institution’s dual accreditation status, achieved through the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) for offering diploma courses in relevant disciplines.

He credited recent advancements to the visionary leadership of the Honourable Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, SAN, who he described as deeply invested in RTC’s transformation.

Reflecting on the Minister’s engagement with WMO leadership in Geneva, Professor Anosike shared, “Minister Keyamo recognises meteorology as a cornerstone of national safety protocols and decision-making processes. He extends his gratitude to WMO and looks forward to further collaboration in strengthening our institution.”

The re-accreditation visit marks a positive chapter for NiMet’s RTC, with the agency reaffirming its commitment to establishing a sustainable and world-class meteorological training centre in Nigeria.