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Minister urges FUTA to lead research into flooding, climatic problems

By Iyabo Lawal
13 July 2017   |   4:20 am
The Minister of State for Environment, Ibrahim Jibril has tasked the Federal University of Technology Akure (FUTA), to lead the search for solution to the debilitating flooding and other effects of climatic change ravaging some parts of the country.

Usman Jubril

The Minister of State for Environment, Ibrahim Jibril has tasked the Federal University of Technology Akure (FUTA), to lead the search for solution to the debilitating flooding and other effects of climatic change ravaging some parts of the country.

Jibril who made the appeal during his working visit to the West African Science Service Centre on Climate Change and Adapted Land Use (WASCAL) domiciled in the university said with the equipment and quality of manpower at the centre, FUTA has what it takes to help the country solve its myriads of environmental challenges.

Briefing the minister and his delegation which included the ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Dr. Shehu Ahmed and the Executive Director, Forestry Research Institute of Nigeria (FRIN), Dr. Adepoju Adeshola, on the operations of the WASCAL, the director, Prof Kehinde Ogunjobi said the centre was set up to train competent weather and climate scientists capable of providing solutions to climatic related problems in agriculture, water resources and allied sectors in West Africa.

Besides, Ogunjobi said the centre develops hazard and vulnerability maps for climate change adaptation and water resources management system for the sub-region and its ready to collaborate with the ministry to tackle the country’s environmental challenges.

To achieve its mandate and proffer solutions to increasing weather and climate change challenges, the director disclosed that the centre has succeeded in training students from across West Africa.

“Over the years, we have trained students from across West Africa sub-region on climate related issues.  We have graduated quite a number of doctorates and masters degree students who are spread all over the world ensuring that climate and weather related issues are properly managed.”

The director then took the minister with members of his team as well as FUTA management on a tour of the centre.

An elated Jubril said his ministry is open to receive suggestions from the centre on how to improve on the climate to benefit humankind.

Vice chancellor, Prof Joseph Fuwape said the institution have contributed immensely to tackling environmental issues and challenges and assured that it would not fail in this new task.

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