WASCAL and FUTA Strengthen Collaboration on Climate Science and Capacity Building

The West African Service Centre on Climate Change and Adapted Land Use (WASCAL) and the Federal University of Technology Akure (FUTA) have resolved to strengthen their ongoing collaboration in climate science research and capacity building. This decision was highlighted during the working visit of Professor Emmanuel Ramde, the newly appointed Executive Director of the WASCAL Graduate Program in Sustainability and Climate (GPS), and Professor Daouda Koné, Director of the Capacity Building Department at WASCAL Headquarters in Accra, Ghana, to FUTA on Friday, August 30, 2024.

The visit aimed to bolster collaborative efforts between WASCAL and Nigerian institutions in climate research, capacity building, and sustainable development. Professor Ramde emphasized the importance of regional collaboration in addressing climate change challenges, stating that WASCAL is committed to working closely with Nigerian institutions to develop innovative solutions for climate adaptation and resilience. He praised FUTA for its distinguished achievements in this area and noted that the visit is a step towards building stronger ties and expanding WASCAL’s impact in West Africa.

Professor Koné highlighted FUTA’s role in giving visibility to WASCAL, noting that many Nigerians are also being trained in other West African countries. He appreciated FUTA’s efforts in filling necessary research gaps and emphasized the potential for more partnerships to expand existing programs and involve more faculties from the university. He also underscored the achievements of WASCAL’s Capacity Building Department, stressing the importance of training young scientists and researchers in climate-related fields to empower the next generation of climate experts who will lead sustainable development efforts in the region.

Professor Oladiji highlighted FUTA’s dedication to climate research and the university’s ongoing efforts to address environmental challenges. She emphasized the importance of fostering regional partnerships to tackle climate change effectively, saying, “As a leading technology university in Nigeria, we recognize our role in contributing to solutions for climate resilience and sustainable development. This visit provides an excellent opportunity for us to exchange knowledge and ideas with WASCAL, and we are eager to participate in joint research projects and capacity-building initiatives.”

The Vice-Chancellor also praised WASCAL’s commitment to empowering young scientists and researchers in the region. She noted that WASCAL’s focus on capacity building aligns perfectly with the university’s mission to train the next generation of climate experts. The university is excited about the potential expansion for student and staff exchanges, which will greatly enrich the learning experiences of the community and strengthen the university’s research capabilities.

WASCAL is a German government initiative in collaboration with West African countries to manage climate-related matters. Recently, the Doctoral Programme in West African Climate Systems (DRP-WACS) under the aegis of the West African Service Centre on Climate Change and Adapted Land Use (WASCAL) has been domiciled at the Federal University of Technology Akure.