FUTA WASCAL Alumnus, Dr. Aissatou Sitta, Appointed Director of National Meteorological Service, Republic of Niger

The Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA), has celebrated the appointment of Dr. Aissatou Sitta, a recent PhD graduate of its West African Science Service Centre on Climate Change and Adapted Land Use Doctoral Research Programme (WASCAL DRP-WACS), as the new Director of the National Meteorological Service (NMS) of the Republic of Niger.

Dr. Sitta, an international scholar from Niger, successfully defended her PhD thesis in Meteorology and Climate Science at FUTA on June 10, 2025, under the supervision of Dr. Ifeoluwa Adebowale Balogun, with support from Professors Ademola Akinbobola, Ayo Oluleye, and Debo Adeyewa. Her doctoral research, titled “Assessment of Operational Seasonal Climatic Forecast Methods and Skills over the Sahelian Region of West Africa,” provided groundbreaking insights into the reliability of seasonal climate forecasts in the region and their application in supporting climate adaptation among smallholder farmers.

Her study combined advanced quantitative analyses—including reliability diagrams, ROC curves, and Brier scores—with extensive field research across Niger, involving 619 farmers and demonstration trials with 60 pilot farmers. The findings revealed that while onset forecasts showed relatively higher reliability, improvements were needed in dry spell prediction. Farmers who applied forecast information achieved yield gains of up to 234 kg/ha, demonstrating the tangible impact of climate services on agricultural resilience.

In her new role, Dr. Sitta will lead national efforts in weather monitoring, climate forecasting, and early warning systems, with direct influence on policies and strategies that safeguard millions of lives across Niger and the wider Sahel region.

FUTA hailed her appointment as both an institutional and continental milestone. “Sometimes, the greatest measure of an institution’s success is the towering achievements of its alumni,” a statement from FUTA WASCAL noted. “Dr. Sitta’s journey from doctoral researcher to national director in just months is a powerful testament to brilliance, dedication, and resilience.”

Dr. Sitta’s academic journey at FUTA spanned from December 2021 to June 2025. Her research strongly aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs 1, 2, and 13) and WASCAL’s mandate on climate-smart agriculture, positioning her to drive innovation in climate resilience and environmental sustainability in Niger and beyond.

Her appointment has been widely celebrated within the FUTA and WASCAL community as an inspiration to young African scientists committed to solving the region’s climate challenges.