The Director/CEO of the Centre for Atmospheric Research (CAR), operating under the National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA), Dr. Ibrahim Yakubu Tudunwada, has sent a strong delegation on a preparatory visit to the Federal University Lokoja (FUL) ahead of the Agency's International Conference scheduled to be hosted by FUL in March 2024.

The series of meetings held earlier between the Managements of both Institutions culminated in an agreement for FUL to host the planned conference, themed "International Conference on Atmospheric and Environmental Science for Sustainable Development."

During the briefing with the University Management on Friday, December 8, 2023, at Felele, the Permanent Site of the University, Dr. Umar Jariri who led a three-member delegation from CAR, including Mr. E.O. Ali, and Mrs. Fatima Akagu, conveyed the Centre's full readiness to collaborate with FUL in organizing the strategic conference. 

Dr. Jariri also assured the Vice-Chancellor that plans were underway to establish a functional weather station at the main campus to enhance the collaboration between the two Institutions.

Responding, the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Olayemi Akinwumi who was represented by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic), Prof. M.S. Audu, expressed appreciation to the Centre Management for its ongoing engagement and partnership with FUL in the area of atmospheric research. 

He highlighted the University's commitment to providing solutions to global and environmental climate-related challenges through cutting-edge research-oriented conferences, emphasizing that FUL was determined to pursue stronger global visibility and linkages. Prof. Audu assured the delegation of the Vice-Chancellor's willingness to co-host and ensure the success of the all-important conference.

The DVC further stated that positioning the University globally through quality research aligns with the Vice-Chancellor's five-year vision plan. He reiterated his commitment to ensuring the success of the conference, informing the delegation that members of the Local Organizing Committee (LOC) were fully prepared and waiting for the nod to commence aggressive publicity.

Prof. M.S. Audu conveyed the Vice-Chancellor's excitement about the positive developments arising from the earlier discussions. He added that the demands put forward by FUL have been approved by CAR's Directorate, while efforts were ongoing to ensure the full implementation before the March 2024 International Conference.

Speaking also, the Acting Director of the Centre for Flood Management and Control at FUL and Dean, Faculty of Social Sciences, Prof. S.D. Musa, expressed gratitude to the CAR for their commitment to collaborative efforts towards addressing global climate change.

The meeting was equally attended by the Head of the Department of Geography, Dr. Joseph Folorunsho, Prof. O. O. Ifatimehin, and Mr. Daniel Nwankwo, the University's Public Relations Officer, who all made valuable contributions toward the successful hosting event next year.