ABU’s IAR Holds Seminar On Seasonal Climate Prediction

By Sani Aliyu, Zaria

The Institute for Agricultural Research, (IAR) Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria has organised an intellectual Institutional Seminar that attracted scientists, academics and stakeholders interested in climate change and agricultural development.

The seminar titled “The Scientific Basis for the Delayed 2025/2026 Harmattan and the Highlights of 2026 Seasonal Climate Prediction (SCP) in Nigeria” was delivered by Prof. A. M. Yamusa, a distinguished Professor of Agroclimatology, under the chairmanship of the Executive Director of the Institute, Prof. Ado Yusuf.

It was well attended, both physically at the IAR Conference Hall and virtually through Zoom and Facebook live streaming, demonstrating the strong interest of the academic community and the public in understanding climate dynamics and their implications for agriculture and environmental sustainability.

Also, the event brought together, many distinguished Professors, senior researchers, staff members, and students who actively participated in the discussion.

In his presentation, Prof. Yamusa provided a comprehensive scientific explanation for the unusual delay of the 2025/2026 harmattan season, linking atmospheric circulation patterns, regional climatic interactions, and broader global climatic influences to the observed phenomenon.

He also highlighted key aspects of the 2026 Seasonal Climate Prediction (SCP) for Nigeria, offering valuable insights that are critical for agricultural planning, research programming, and policy formulation.

Speaking on the Lecture, the Executive Director of the institute Prof. Ado Yusuf said the seminar once has demonstrated the Institute’s commitment to promoting scientific dialogue, knowledge sharing, and evidence-based discussions that support sustainable agricultural development and climate resilience in Nigeria.

He described the seminar as highly informative and engaging, noting that the presenter did exceptional justice to the topic by simplifying complex climatic processes while maintaining scientific depth.

Professor Ado Yusuf assured the Institute’s scientists of support and commitment towards research and development.

He announced that very soon IAR will commission its complex at Akwa Ibom State for the take off of its national mandate.

Also, the Director assured farmers that they invite Nimet to come and sensitize farmers and key stakeholders in agriculture on how to manage the Climate Change situation.

The interactive session that followed further enriched the discussion, with participants asking questions and sharing perspectives on how climate variability continues to influence agricultural productivity and environmental management in Nigeria.