In a significant effort to bolster Climate Change research and policymaking in Nigeria, the West African Science Service Centre on Climate Change and Adapted Land Use (WASCAL) has donated Automatic Hydrological Sensors to both the Federal University of Technology Akure (FUTA) and the Benin-Owena River Basin Development Authority (BORDA).
Funded by the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF), this initiative was formalized at a ceremony, in Akure, Nigeria, with representatives from WASCAL, FUTA, and BORDA.
Head of the Data Management Department at the WASCAL Competence Centre in Ouagadougou, Dr. Belko A. A. Diallo presented the advanced equipment (four automatic water level sensors) on behalf of the Interim Executive Director of WASCAL, Prof Kehinde Ogunjobi and emphasized the donation’s role in enhancing data generation to filling data gaps and tackling the adverse effects of climate change in the region.
Head of the Department of Meteorology and Climate Science of FUTA, Dr. Ademola Akinbobola, highlighted the equipment’s capability to significantly improve real-time data collection on hydrometeorological conditions, vital for robust water resource management.
The need for comprehensive hydrological data and its role in advancing research and development was a key point made by Professor Chinedu Nwajiuba, Nigeria’s representative on the WASCAL Governing Board. In addition to the sensor donation, he revealed WASCAL’s commitment to further supporting FUTA through additional funding aimed at renewable energy projects.
BORDA’s Executive Director, Mr. Osikela Omo-Ikirodah, pointed out the pandemic nature of climate change as a crisis that goes beyond borders and demands accurate data to forge effective strategies. His remarks acknowledged WASCAL and FUTA’s dedication to innovate and improve government agency operations.
On behalf of FUTA, Vice Chancellor Professor Adenike Oladiji, and the Deputy Vice Chancellor Professor Sunday Oluyamo, expressed gratitude for WASCAL’s support. They assured that the equipment would be utilized to its full potential, heralding new frontiers in climate change research for the betterment of humanity.
This collaboration signifies a substantial investment in Nigeria’s scientific infrastructure and a shared commitment to enhancing the quality of hydrological data collection. It sets a precedent for future endeavors in water research and management, reinforcing regional partnerships in advancing climate change mitigation and adaptation strategies.
