The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) is set to start academic activities in its Meteorological Institute of Science and Technology (MIST) in Katsina.
The NiMet`s General Manager, Mr Muntari Ibrahim, in a statement on Monday in Abuja, said the approval was given by the government in a letter dated Sept. 9 and following a request by the agency to commence academic activities.
The letter was signed by NiMet`s Deputy Director (Staff Welfare and Training) Mr Rabi Abubakar for the Minister of Aviation, Sen. Hadi Sirika.
“I am directed to refer to your letter Ref. No. NiMet/DG/FMA/HMA/M/Vol.1/30 dated Aug. 24 on the above subject.
“ Also to covey the approval of the minister for the commencement of full academic session and activities at the newly established Meteorological Institute of Science and Technology, Katsina as requested.
“Following this, lectures have commenced for National Diploma in Meteorology and National Diploma in Climate Change Science at the institute.
“Students were admitted through JAMB Central Admission Processing System (CAPS).
These national diploma programmes have already been duly approved by the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) with two streams of 30 students each “ the letter read in part.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls that the institute was commissioned by Sirika on May 21, 2019.
Ibrahim noted that the institute was established to serve as a centre of training and research on meteorology and climate change sciences.
“MIST has embarked on an aggressive expansion of its manpower and boasts of eight PhD holders, among whom are five professors, while seven other lecturers hold Masters’ Degree in related disciplines,“ he said. (NAN)