NIGERIA: AFRICA PARTNERSHIP STATION FINDS 'MODEL'

UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 02 LAGOS 000207 SENSITIVE BUT UNCLASSIFIED - HANDLE ACCORDINGLY SIPDIS STATE FOR AF/W, AF/EX AND INR/AA STATE PASS FOR USAIC/AFR/WA TWAY, AFR/SD DATWOOD, AND EGAT MOTT STATE PASS TO USTR-AGAMA BAGHDAD FOR MCCULLOUGH BOTSWANA FOR DROUIN DOC FOR 3317/ITA/OA/KBURRESS AND 3130/USFC/OIO/ANESA/DHARRIS TREASURY FOR PETERS AND HALL RHMFIUU/COMUSNAVEUR NAPLES IT RHPHOGB/COMUSNAVEUR NAPLES IT E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PGOV KCOR SENV NI SUBJECT: NIGERIA: AFRICA PARTNERSHIP STATION FINDS 'MODEL' PARTNER IN LAGOS ¶1. (SBU) Summary: As a component part of the Africa Partnership Station (APS) visit of the USS Nashville to Lagos, a training workshop was conducted by scientists from the National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) at the Nigerian Institute for Oceanographic and Marine Research (NIOMR) on March 20 through March 26. The workshop was focused on training Nigerian scientists on how to exploit oceanographic data available in the public domain for research purposes. A total of 38 Nigerians participated in the workshop which the APS coordinator described as a "model" for APS civilian programs. The success of NOAA's collaboration with NIOMR underlines the value of programs which interact with and build the capacity of scientists and technicians rather than politicians and bureaucrats. Post believes that the beneficiaries of these training exercises take away not only positive attitudes toward the United States but also a greater appreciation of how public institutions ought to function and so a greater appreciation of civic responsibility. End Summary. ¶2. (SBU) During the USS Nashville's APS visit to Lagos March 17 through 27, two scientists from NOAA conducted a workshop with 38 Nigerian scientists from NIOMR, the University of Lagos, and the College of Fisheries and Marine Resources from March 20 through March 26. The workshop was designed to demonstrate how oceanographic information in the public domain can be effectively utilized for research purposes. Augustus Vogel, the American coordinator of the civilian engagement component of APS, told Pol-EconOff on March 21 that last year two Nigerian scientists from NIOMR had taken part in APS training off the coast of Ghana and demonstrated exceptional dedication and competence. When the research vessel was required to take water samples hourly through the night, he related, only the Nigerians and Americans were on deck, while the other West African participants of the exercise stayed in their berths. He also reported that unlike other West African research institutes that asked for grants or equipment, NIOMR requested practical training. Vogel told Pol-EconOff that APS plans to continue cooperative efforts with NIOMR in the future, focusing on training and research in the fields of meteorology, oceanography and coastal erosion. ¶3. (SBU) During the opening ceremonies for the workshop, Pol-EconOff had the opportunity to discuss the current climate for academic research in Nigeria. Surprisingly, Professor B. Y. Abubakar, Executive Secretary of the Agricultural Research Council, and Dr. Jide Ayinla, Executive Director of NIOMR, both reported improvement in the funding for academic research under the Yar'Adua administration. Dr. Edet of the Department of Fisheries likewise emphasized that since Sole Amire became Director of the Department of Fisheries roughly two years ago the funding for the Department has increased. When questioned, Dr. Edet replied that the budget was not greater but "somehow" more of the allocated funds were available for practical work. ¶4. (SBU) Comment: The success of NOAA's collaboration with NIOMR underlines the value of programs which interact with and enhance the capabilities of scientists and technicians rather than politicians and bureaucrats. By working closely with civilian scientists, APS achieves the two-fold objective of increasing scientific competence in areas of importance to maritime capability, while strengthening the self-confidence and self-respect of the scientists involved. Post believes that the beneficiaries of these training exercises take away not only positive attitudes toward the United States but also a greater appreciation of how public institutions ought to LAGOS 00000207 002 OF 002 function and so a greater appreciation of civic responsibility. End Summary. ¶5. (U) This cable was cleared by Embassy Abuja. BLAIR