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TECHNICAL REPORT

ON

STUDENT INDUSTRIAL WORK EXPERIENCE SCHEME (S.I.W.E.S)

UNDERTAKEN AT

NIGERIAN METEOROLOGICAL AGENCY (NIMET) MINNA AIRPORT, NIGER


STATE.

BY

BAMBE OPEYEMI MAYOWA

(2018/1/73010PG)

DEPARTMENT OF GEOGRAPHY

SCHOOL OF PHYSICAL SCIENCES

FEDERAL UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY MINNA, NIGER STATE.

SIWES REPORT

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DECLARATION

I Bambe Opeyemi Mayowa, declare that this technical report work was written by me. It
comprises a summary report of all the work done during the six month period of my attachment
at Nigeria Meteorological Agency Minna Airport. I hereby submit these report work as a partial
fulfillment of the requirements for the student industrial work experience scheme of the federal
university of technology Minna, Niger State.

………………………………….
…………………………………………

DATE NAME

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CERTIFICATION

This is to certify that the six months long student industrial work experience was carried out by
BAMBE MAYOWA OPEYEMI, of the department of geography, school of physical sciences,
Federal university of technology Minna, Nigeria Meteorological agency Minna Airport.

-------------------------------------
----------------------------

STUDENT DATE

BAMBE MAYOWA OPEYEMI

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PREFACE

This report documents my Student Industrial Work Experience Scheme (SIWES) at the Nigerian
Meteorological Agency (NIMET). It outlines the tasks, challenges, and lessons learned during
my internship. I am grateful to NIMET for the opportunity and to my academic institution for its
support. I hope this report contributes to the field of meteorology and informs my future
endeavors.

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DEDICATON

This work is dedicated to almighty God, my parents Mr. and MRS. BAMBE, siblings, my
industry based supervisor in the person of Mr. Henry, fellow students who in one way or the
other contributed immensely in making my experience both informative and educative, I truly
appreciate and cherish all your efforts.

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ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

I appreciate the Almighty God for the knowledge, endurance, safety, and courage He bestowed
upon me throughout the period of my Industrial attachment internship at the Nigerian
Meteorological Agency (Nimet) Minna Airport, Niger State.

My profound gratitude goes to my industry based supervisor, Mr. Samuel Henry Lanzema
(Officer in charge) for the heart-melting fatherly care that he extended to me throughout the
period of my training. His readiness to teach, advice, financial and material support and above all
his professional display of emotional intelligence were all my success drivers during the
Industrial Training.

My heart also melts at the care and support of my friends and course mates especially,
Abdulrasheed Olalekan, Jeremiah Peace Jerry, Onyeakachi Odera Elizabeth and Israel
Augustine. With them I felt like the whole world is there for me.

My gratitude also goes to my family especially my only brother Bambe Olumide Olushola for
their unceasing support since my stay in school.

Finally, I would like to express my gratitude to the Industrial Training Fund (ITF) for supporting
the implementation of this program. Additionally, my thanks extend to the Department of
Geography at the Federal University of Minna for presenting and facilitating this incredible
opportunity. The experience was enriching, creating a conducive atmosphere for learning and
practical application. Every contribution, no matter how small, to my academic journey is
sincerely appreciated. Thank you.

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TABLE OF CONTENTS PAGE

Declaration 2

Certification 3

Appreciation 4

Table of contents 7

CHAPTER ONE 10

Introduction 10

Brief history of SIWES 10

SIWES aims and objectives 11

SIWES benefits for students 11

The bodies are part of SIWES management 12

CHAPTER TWO 13

Brief history of NIMET 13

Vision 13

Mission 14

Services of the organization 14

Onanogram of Nimet 14

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CHAPTER THREE 15

Work experience at Minna airport 15

The measurement and recordings at NIMET office 15

Definition of terms 15

NIMET enclosure 16

Conditions for sitting a NIMET enclosure 16

Instruments contained in the enclosure 17

Stevenson screen 17

Instruments housed in the Stevenson screen 17

Class A pan 18

Soil thermometers 19

Cup counter anemometer 20

Campbell stroke sunshine recorder 20

Rain gauge 21

Barograph 22

Experience on cloud 23

Experience on aviation phonetic alphabets 25

Experience on meteorological codes 27

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METAR 27

TAF 29

CHAPTER FOUR 30

Summary 30

Problems encountered 30

Conclusion 32

Recommendations 32

Refrences 33

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CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.0 BRIEF HISTORY OF SIWES

The Student Industrial Work Experience Scheme (SIWES) was established by Industrial
Training Fund (ITF) in 1973. The Student Industrial Work Experience Scheme (SIWES), also
known as Industrial Training (IT) is a compulsory Skills Training Programme designed to
expose and prepare students of tertiary institutions for the industrial work situation they’re likely
to meet after graduation. The scheme also affords students the opportunity of familiarizing and
exposing themselves to the needed experience in handling equipment and machinery that are
usually not available in their institution.

Before the establishment of the scheme, there was a growing concern among industrialists, that
graduates of institutions of higher learning lacked adequate practical background studies
preparatory for employment in industries. Thus, employers were of the opinion that the
theoretical education in higher institutions wasn’t responsive to the needs of the employers of
labor. SIWES introduction, initiation and design was done by the Industrial Training Fund
(I.T.F) in 1993 to acquaint students with the skills of handling employer’s equipment and
machinery. The Industrial Training Fund (I.T.F) solely funded the scheme during its formative
years. However, due to financial constraints, the fund withdrew from the Scheme in 1978. The
Federal Government, having noticed the significance of the skills training handed the
management of the scheme to both the National Universities Commission (N.U.C) and the
National Board for Technical Education (N.B.T.E in 1979. The management and implementation
of the scheme was however reverted to the I.T.F by the Federal Government in November, 1984
and the administration was effectively taken over by the Industrial Training Fund in July 1985,
with the funding solely borne by the Federal Government. ITF has as one of its key functions; to
work as cooperative entity with industry and commerce where students in institutions of higher
learning can undertake mid-career work experience attachment in industries which are
compatible with student’s area of study.

Today, SIWES plays a crucial role in preparing Nigerian students for the practical challenges of
the workforce. It serves as a vital link between academia and industry, contributing to the

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development of a technically competent and industry-ready workforce in Nigeria. The scheme
continues to adapt and evolve, ensuring its relevance in the ever-changing landscape of education
and industry.

1.1 AIMS AND OBJECTIVES OF SIWES

The primary aim of the Students Industrial Work Experience Scheme (SIWES) is to serve as a
platform that provides essential industrial knowledge to students. Its overarching goal is to
bridge the gap between theoretical concepts acquired in the classroom and their practical
application in real-world scenarios. To actualize this mission, the program is guided by the
following specific objectives:

 SIWES provide an avenue for students in higher institutions to acquire industrial skills
and experience in their approved course of study.
 It Prepare students for possible industrial works situation which they may meet when
they graduate.
 It makes the transition from school to the world of work easier and enhance students
contact for future job opportunities.
 Provide students with an opportunity to apply their knowledge in real work situation
thereby bridging the gap between theory (classroom) and practice (industry).
 Enlist and strengthen employers’ involvement in the entire educational process and
prepare students for absorption into the field after graduation.
 Expose students to work methods and techniques in handling equipment and machinery
which may not be available in their institutions

1.2 BENEFITS OF SIWES TO STUDENTS

 It affords the student an opportunity to learn how to function in multi-disciplinary teams.


 Students can now effectively communicate within the working environment.
 It provides the opportunity for students to understand professional and ethical
responsibilities more.

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 The scheme provides an opportunity for the industries to evaluate prospective employees
and give healthy feedback to the institutions.
 It gives opportunity for the student to make better mastery of the theoretical knowledge
acquired in classrooms using practical knowledge acquired in the industry.
 It enhances the student’ attitudes to work such as commitment, dedication, punctuality,
politeness, effective communication and such

1.3 THE BODIES INVOLVE IN THE MANAGEMENT OF SIWES

The bodies involved in the management of the student's industrial work experience scheme are
the federal government, Industrial Training Fund (ITF), other supervising agents are National
University Commission (NUC) and National Council for Colleges of Education (NCCE). The
above stated agencies have the following functions:

 They ensure adequate funding of the scheme.


 They establish SIWES and accredit its unit in the approved institutions.
 They formulate policies and guidelines for participating bodies and institutions as well as
appointing SIWES coordinators and supporting staff.
 They supervise students at their various places of attachment and sign their logbook and
it forms.
 They vet and process students’ logbook and forward same to the ITF area offices.
 They also ensure payments of allowances for the students and supervisors, therefore the
success or otherwise of the SIWES depend on the efficiency of the ministries, ITF
institutions, employers of the labour and the general public involve in articulation and
management of the programme. Thus the evaluation of SIWES in tertiary institutions in
meeting up with the purposes and needs for the formation of the program is necessary.

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CHAPTER 2

2.0 BRIEF HISTORY OF THE ORGANIZATION

The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) is legally responsible for advising Government at
all levels on all aspects of meteorology and has the sole responsibility to observe, collate, collect,
process, and disseminate all meteorological and climate related data and information in support
of the various socio-economic sectors of our national economy including food security, national
security, safety of lives, early warnings of hazardous weather, disaster risk reduction and
management etc.

The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NIMET) came into existence by an Act of the National
Assembly – NIMET (Establishment) ACT 2003, enacted on 21st May 2003, and became
effective on 19th June 2003 following Presidential assent.

The Act provides the agency with regulatory powers for all meteorological related activities in
Nigeria, ensuring that international standards are met by institutions in the observation of all
meteorological phenomena. NiMet is present in all the States of the Federation, along Nigeria’s
vast coastline and in all the Airports across the country. Over the years the agency have provided
advisory and early warning services to the citizenry through their Seasonal Climate Prediction
(SCP) and other myriads of products and services which have positively impacted Agricultural,
Maritime & Blue Economy, Health, Energy, Disaster Risk Management, Water Resources,
Environment, and all other related sectors of the economy.

Nigeria through NiMet boasts of meteorological activities dating back to 1887 and has been a
Member of the World Meteorological Organisation (WMO) since 1960. They are certified for
the provision of Aeronautical Meteorological Services and certified for Training Services. Their
vibrant workforce consists of meteorologists including other technical and administrative
supporting staff with the primary intent of enhancing early warnings for all.

2.1 VISION:

To be a world class Provider of weather and Climate Services for safety and Sustainable
National Socio-Economic Development.

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2.2 MISSION:

To observe Nigerian Weather and Climate and provide Meteorological, Hydrological and
Oceanographic Services in support of National Needs and International Obligations.

2.3 SERVICES OF THE ORGANIZATION

 Aeronautical Meteorology
 Agricultural Meteorology
 Marine Meteorology
 Hydrological Meteorology
 Public weather services

These different sections carry out various operations and activities, they also have different heads
of operations and an overall director who sees to the overall supervision of all jobs carried out
various units.

ONANOGRAM OF NIMET

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CHAPTER 3

3.0 WORK EXPERIENCE AT NIMET MINNA AIRPORT

3.1 The measurement and recordings at NIMET office

 Temperature of air and soil


 Radiation
 pressure
 Cloud
 Evaporation
 Precipitation
 Wind speed and direction
 Visibility

3.2 Definition of terms

 Temperature: - The hotness or coldness of a substance is called its temperature and is


measured with a thermometer.
 Solar radiation: - Is radiant energy emitted by the sun, particularly electromagnetic
energy. This also called insulation.
 Atmospheric pressure:-it is defined as the force per unit area exerted against a surface by
the weight of the air above that surface. It is sometimes called barometric pressure.
 Evaporation: - Is the process by which water changes from a liquid to gas or vapour.
Evaporation is the primary pathway that water moves from the liquid state back into the
water cycle as atmospheric water vapour.
 Cloud: - In meteorology, a cloud is an aerosol comprising a visible mass of minute liquid
droplets or frozen crystals. Both of which are made of water or various chemicals
suspended in the atmosphere above the surface of a planetary body.
 Wind speed and direction: - Wind speed is the measure motion of the air with respect to
the surface of the earth covering a unit distance over a unit time. While Wind direction is
reported by the direction from which originate? For example, a northerly wind blows
from the north to the south it is usually reported in cardinal direction or in azimuth

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degrees .E.g. A wind coming from the south is given as 180 degrees; one from the east is
90 degrees, it is an indicator of the direction that the wind is coming from.
 Visibility: - the distance that an observer with normal eyesight can see at a particular time
for a particular place is called visibility.
 Precipitation: - Precipitation is water in various forms, like rain or snow, falling from the
atmosphere to the ground. It's essential for replenishing water sources and sustaining
ecosystems, playing a vital role in the Earth's water cycle and influencing weather
patterns.

3.3 NIMET ENCLOSURE

The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) operates a network of weather stations across the
country. These stations typically have enclosure or fenced off area within the premises of the
Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NIMET). . This area is designated for various purposes, such
as housing specialized equipment or carrying out specific operational activities related to
meteorology, weather forecasting, or climate research.

Conditions for siting a Meteorological enclosure

 The enclosure should be located in an open area free from obstructions like
buildings, trees, or other structures that could influence local temperature, wind, and
precipitation measurements. Aim for a minimum distance of 2 times the height of any
obstructions
 The enclosure must be fenced to prevent unauthorized access to the sensitive instruments,
protecting them from vandalism, tampering, or damage from animals.
 It is essential to ensure that the observer possesses the necessary technical expertise to
operate the equipment effectively. Proper training and familiarity with the tools are
crucial for accurate observations.
 The observer should be located close to the observation unit to facilitate timely and daily
data collection. This proximity enables efficient monitoring and ensures that readings are
taken at appropriate intervals.

By carefully considering these factors, you can ensure that your observation unit is sited in a
location that will provide accurate and reliable weather data for your specific needs.

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INSTRUMENTS FOUND WITHIN THE ENCLOSURE

3.3.1 STEVENSON SCREEN

Stevenson screen is a specialized box-shaped shelter used to house meteorological instruments,


most commonly thermometers at weather stations. Its purpose is to shield these instruments from
direct sunlight and other environmental factors that could affect their accuracy, while still
allowing for free air circulation. This ensures that the instruments measure the actual air
temperature and humidity, not the temperature of the shelter itself or any nearby objects.

The Stevenson screen is painted white in color to reflect sunlight away from the instruments
housed in it. The position of the screen is changed twice a year depending on the position of the
sun so that the sun’s reflection won’t be too focused on the Stevenson screen.

Instruments housed in a Stevenson screen:

 Dry bulb thermometer: The dry bulb thermometer is a device utilized for measuring the
ambient air temperature. Typically read hourly, its temperature readings, along with those
of the wet bulb thermometer, can be employed to compute relative humidity. The
measurements are taken in Celsius, and the thermometer contains mercury as its liquid
medium.
 Wet bulb thermometer: This is identical to the dry bulb thermometer, except its bulb is
covered in a wick saturated with clean water. It is an instrument used to measure the
temperature of the evaporation of the atmosphere i.e. it gives the temperature at which
evaporation occurs. It’s also read every hour and contains mercury as its liquid medium
as well.

If the dry and wet bulb gives the same readings, it means the air is saturated with
moisture and the relative humidity is 100%. This usually occurs after heavy rainfall. At
lower relative humidity, it means more water has evaporated from the wet bulb causing
its temperature to drop lower than the dry bulb temperature. The greater the
difference between the dry and wet bulb temperatures, the lower the relative humidity.

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 Maximum thermometer: This is also known as a mercury-in-glass thermometer, it
features a narrow section near the bulb. As the air temperature increases, the mercury
inside it expands and the highest temperature reached during the day is recorded by the
portion of the mercury. To reset the maximum thermometer, it must be swing at arm’s
length in the quadrant of a circle few times. This thermometer is read at 0900UTC and
1800UTC and reset is done at 0900UTC. It is placed horizontally in the Stevenson screen
below the dry and wet bulb thermometer.
 Minimum thermometer: This is also known as liquid in glass thermometer, it is used to
measure the minimum temperature of the atmosphere within a given period of time. It is
read at 0600UTC and 0900UTC, reset is done at 0900UTC.
 Piche evaporimeter: The Piche evaporimeter is a type of instrument used to measure the
rate of evaporation of water into the atmosphere. It is read every synoptic hours.

Stevenson screen

3.3.2 CLASS ‘A’ PAN

This tool uses a wide, open pan to measure amount of evaporation throughout the day. The pan
has markings on the side to easily track water level changes. To prevent animals from entering, a
wire mesh cover sits on top. Additionally, the pan rests on a wooden platform to isolate it from
ground temperature, which can affect evaporation rates. Measurements are taken twice daily, at

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sunrise (0600GMT) and sunset (1800GMT). By subtracting the evening water level from the
morning level, we calculate the amount of water evaporated during the day.

Class a pan

3.3.3 SOIL THERMOMETERS

Think of soil thermometers like tiny spies digging into the ground! They measure the
temperature at different depths (5cm, 10cm, 20cm, 30cm 50cm and 100cm) to help farmers
choose the best crops and planting times. Why? Because temperature affects how seed
germinates and plants growth, the temperature must not be too much and it must not be too less.
Low temperature are more destructive to plants than high temperature, warmer days are great for
growth, while cold nights can slow things down. Farmers use these readings to make sure their
crops thrive.

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Soil thermometers

3.3.4 CUP COUNTER ANEMOMETER

This weather station uses a cup anemometer to measure the wind. It has three cups that spin
faster with stronger winds, letting us know how fast the wind is blowing (wind speed) in
kilometers per hour. We take readings synoptic hours and subtract the starting reading from the
ending reading to calculate the total distance the wind traveled that day (wind run).

Cup counter anemometer

3.3.5 CAMPBELL STROKE SUNSHINE RECORDER

Like a magnifying glass for the sun, the Campbell Stokes recorder tracks the amount of sunshine
by focusing the sun's rays through a glass sphere. This creates a hot spot on a special card,
burning a mark that shows how long the sun shone throughout the day. It uses Equinoctial card

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when going from winter to summer, summer card is used during summer starting from 12th of
April and winter card which is used during winter.

Campbell stroke sunshine recorder

3.3.6 RAIN GUAGE

A rain gauge is like a miniature measuring station for rainfall. Shaped like a cylinder, it holds a
bottle inside to collect rainwater. It's carefully placed in an open area, free from buildings or
trees, to ensure only falling rain enters. This is because dripping water from leaves or roofs can
give inaccurate readings. Once it rains, the collected water is emptied into a special measuring
cylinder, showing how much rain fell in a day.

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Rain guage

3.3.7 BAROGRAPH

A barograph is a scientific instrument used to continuously record changes in atmospheric


pressure over time. It consists of a cylindrical drum or chart, onto which a pen or stylus is
attached. This pen is connected to a mechanism that responds to changes in air pressure, causing
it to move up and down as pressure increases or decreases. The drum or chart is usually wrapped
with a paper marked with lines representing pressure levels. As the pen moves, it leaves a trace
on the paper, creating a graph that shows how atmospheric pressure has changed over a specific
period.

Barograph

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3.4 EXPERIENCES ON CLOUDS

When air is cooled, some of its water vapor may condense into tiny water droplets. The
temperature at which this takes place is called the dew point temperatures. Sometimes
condensation takes place on to trees, or directly on to the surface of the ground. The water
droplets forming on the surfaces are called dew. Dew often forms during the night in the dry
season, and it plays an important part in helping to keep plants alive.

Clouds are made of water droplets, or of ice particles. Mist and fogs are made of water droplets
and in this respect they are a type of cloud, but they form near to the surface. The shape, height
and movement of cloud can indicate the type of weather that is likely to occur, and because of
this they are carefully studied by a meteorologist who prepares weather forecasts.

Classification of clouds:

World Meteorological Organization classified clouds by altitude and divided the troposphere into
three (3) levels.

Low-level clouds (0-6500 feet)

Mid-level clouds (6500-23000feet)

High- level clouds (23000- 45000feet)

High clouds

Cirrus: This is composed of small ice crystals, white wispy, fibrous, or feather-like in
appearance in bands of patches. This cloud has less influence on aircraft

Cirrocumulus: This is composed of ice crystals, globular or ripples (like ripples in the sand on a
seashore) in appearance forming a thin cloud. This cloud has less influence on aircraft.

Cirrostratus: This cloud looks like a thin white, almost transparent sheet that gives the sun moon
hoes. This cloud has less influence on aircraft.

Middle clouds

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Altocumulus: This cloud is composed of water droplets in layers or patches globular or bumpy
looking with flattened bases arranged in lines or waves. The influence of this cloud on aircraft is
less.

Altostratus: This is composed of water droplets forming sheets of grey or watery-looking clouds
partly or totally covering the sky. The influence of this cloud on aircraft is less. The influence of
this cloud on aircraft is less.

Low clouds

Stratocumulus: Large globular masses bumpy-looking soft and grey in appearance forming
pronounce regular pattern. This causes vibration in aircraft.

Nimbostratus: Dark grey and rainy looking dense and shapeless, often gives continuous rain.
This sometimes affects aircraft if it contains thunder or lightning.

Stratus: Fog-like low clouds forming a uniform layer brings dull weather and is often
accompanied by drizzle.

Clouds of great vertical extent

Cumulus: Round-topped and flat-based forming a whitish-grey globular mass, consisting of


individual cloud units. This is the initial stage for Charlie bravo cloud i.e. “CB” When this cloud
is observed it should be reported to the pilot as soon as possible. However, it has less influence
on aircraft compared to a cumulonimbus cloud.

Cumulonimbus: A special type of cumulus cloud of great vertical extent, white or black globular
masses whose rounded tops often spread out in the form of an anvil. This type of cloud is very
dangerous to aircraft because it contains strong thunder and lightning. This cloud is not safe for
landing or take-off of aircraft. When this cloud is observed it should be reported to the pilot as
soon as possible for the cancellation of flight to some later hours

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Types of clouds

3.5 EXPERIENCE ON AVIATION PHONETIC ALPHABET

In aviation, the aviation alphabet is a phonetic alphabet used for radio communication to improve
clarity and prevent misunderstandings, especially when dealing with similar-sounding letters or
numbers. This is crucial for ensuring safety and accuracy in communication between pilots, air
traffic controllers, meteorologists and other aviation personnel.

Pilots and controllers use these words when spelling out identifiers, locations, instructions, and
other information, this approach minimizes confusion caused by accents, background noise, or
similar-sounding letters like B and P or D and T.

Aviation alphabets
A = Alpha

B = Bravo

C = Charlie

D = Delta

E = Echo

F = Fox fort

G = Golf

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H = Hotel

I = India

J = Juliet

K = Kilo

L = Lima

M = mike

N = November

O = Oscar

P = Papa

Q = Quibeth

R = Romeo

S = Sierra

T = Tango

U = Uniform

V = Victor

W = Whisky

X = X-ray

Y = Yankee

Z = Zulu

Instead of saying "Flight XYZ requesting landing at JFK airport," a pilot might say "Flight X-ray
Yankee Zulu requesting landing at Juliet Foxtrot Kilo airport."

By using the aviation alphabet, everyone involved in the communication can confidently
understand the message, avoiding potential errors and contributing to safer and more efficient air
travel.

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3.6 EXPERIENCE ON METEOROLOGICAL CODES

A meteorological code is a standardized system of symbols, abbreviations, and conventions used


to encode and transmit meteorological information efficiently and accurately. These codes are
designed to represent various weather parameters, observations, forecasts, and other
meteorological data in a concise and universally understandable format.

Meteorological codes are essential for communication between meteorological agencies, weather
forecasters, aviation personnel and other users of weather information. They facilitate the rapid
exchange of weather data across different regions and countries, enabling timely and accurate
weather forecasts, warnings, and advisories.

There are several widely recognized meteorological codes used globally, including METAR
(Meteorological Aerodrome Report) code for aviation weather reports, and TAF (Terminal
Aerodrome Forecast) code for aviation weather forecasts, among others which are commonly
used at airports.

These codes are typically documented in official meteorological manuals and guides, ensuring
consistency and standardization in the encoding and decoding of meteorological information.
They play a crucial role in ensuring the safety of aviation, marine, and other weather-sensitive
activities, as well as in supporting meteorological research, analysis, and forecasting efforts.

Benefits of using codes:

 Efficiency: Codes allow for quick and concise transmission of large amounts of data.
 Standardization: Codes ensure that everyone understands the same meaning for each symbol or
abbreviation.
 Accuracy: Codes help to minimize errors in communication and data transfer.
 International communication: Codes allow for easy exchange of information between different
countries and organizations.

METAR:

METAR stands for Meteorological Aerodrome Report, a concise format used to relay current
weather conditions at airports. These reports are crucial for pilots, air traffic controllers, and

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meteorologists, providing information on wind, visibility, weather phenomena, clouds,
temperature, dew point, and atmospheric pressure. They follow a standardized format established
by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and are issued regularly to aid in flight
planning and safety.

EXAMPLE OF A METAR CODE

DNMN 101300Z 22004KT 4500 HZ NSC 38/08 Q1011

INTERPRETATION

DNMN: This is the ICAO code for the airport where the observation was made. In this case,
DNMN represents Minna Airport Nigeria

101300Z: This indicates the date and time of the observation in UTC (Coordinated Universal
Time). In this example, it is observed on the 10th day of the month at 1300 UTC.

22004KT: This indicates the wind direction and speed. The wind is coming from 220 degrees
(southwest) at a speed of 4 knots.

4500: This indicates the horizontal visibility in meters. In this example, the visibility is 4500
meters.

HZ: This indicates the presence of haze.

NSC: This indicates "No Significant Clouds," meaning there are no significant clouds observed
at or below 12,000 feet.

38/08: This indicates the air temperature and dew point temperature in degrees Celsius. In this
example, the air temperature is 38°C and the dew point temperature is 8°C.

Q1011: This indicates the atmospheric pressure at sea level in hectopascals (hPa). In this
example, the pressure is 1011 hPa.

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TAF

TAF stands for Terminal Aerodrome Forecast, providing concise forecasts of weather conditions
at specific airports over 24 to 30 hours. It includes details like wind, visibility, weather
phenomena, cloud cover, temperature, and dew point. These forecasts aid pilots and air traffic
controllers in flight planning and decision-making.

EXAMPLE OF A TAF CODE

DNMN 111100Z 1112/1218 VRB02KT F500 HZ NSC

BECMG 1115/1117 7000 NSW

BECMG 1120/1122 06010KT

INTERPRETATION

DNMN: This is the ICAO location indicator for the aerodrome. In this case, DNMN represents
Minna airport Nigeria.

111100Z: This indicates the date and time of the start of the forecast period in UTC (Coordinated
Universal Time). In this example, it starts on the 11th day of the month at 1100 UTC.

1112/1218: This indicates the forecast period, starting from the 11th day of the month at 1200
UTC and ending on the 12th day of the month at 1800 UTC

VRB02KT: This indicates variable wind direction at 2 knots.

F500: This indicates visibility forecast. In this case, it forecasts visibility of less than 500 meters
due to Haze (HZ).

NSC: This indicates "No Significant Clouds," meaning there are no significant clouds observed
at or below 12,000 feet.

BECMG 1115/1117 7000 NSW: This indicates a becoming (BECMG) change in weather
conditions between 1500 and 1700 UTC. The forecast is for visibility to improve to 7000 meters
(7 kilometers) with No Significant Weather (NSW).

BECMG 1120/1122 06010KT: This indicates another becoming (BECMG) change in weather
conditions between 2000 and 2200 UTC. The forecast is for wind direction to become 060
degrees at 10 knots.

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CHAPTER FOUR

4.1 SUMMARY

This immersive 24-week program helps Students Bridge the knowledge gap between theory and
practice. They'll gain valuable firsthand experience in different fields, master useful skills, and
learn to operate equipment they wouldn't normally have access to at school. This comprehensive
program can give them a significant advantage in their future careers.

4.2 PROBLEMS ENCOUNTERED

I've found that success isn't a straight shot, but a journey with ups and downs. The hard work I
put in, coupled with honesty, courage, and dedication, has played a major role. But I recognize
the importance of staying grounded and learning from failures. Before and during the course of
the program some problems I encountered include

 Difficulty in getting IT placement

Many students are stuck with IT placements that don't match their studies, leaving them
in unrelated fields. It's even worse when placements are late, leaving them scrambling to
catch up before school starts again. This whole system needs an overhaul!

 No allowances are allocated to students during the program.

No money during SIWES means students struggle to even show up on time! Especially
for IT students who put in tons of effort learning new things, wouldn't a little something
extra motivate them and make the whole experience better?

 Students on SIWES are restricted to certain tasks and equipment

Two months in, students are supposed to know the types of equipment that are used in the
organization, but they're locked out of some equipment and duties they need to
practice! Can we adjust this to help them learn better?

 Distance of the student homes from the organization

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Many students live far from the organization, leading to long commutes that can make it
hard to be on time or even show up every day.

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CONCLUSION

Beyond being educational and interesting, the industrial training proved invaluable in solidifying
my knowledge and understanding of meteorology. Witnessing these concepts in action through
practical application has significantly enhanced my practical ability in taking real time weather
readings. Moreover, the experience has fueled my passion for Geography and solidified my
career aspirations in Meteorology.

RECOMMENDATIONS

Although man is difficult to apprehend, with endurance one can achieve his/her aim only when
being serious and candid.
Therefore I recommend that;
 Recipient companies and firms should organize practical seminars for their trainees to
improve their abilities and knowledge of job handling.

 Welfare packages should be provided to trainees to motivate these students to good


performance in their responsibilities.

 The institution should help students secure places of industrial attachment as much time
is wasted in the course of searching for one.

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REFRENCES

https://www.siwes.itf.gov.ng/Identity/LandingPage/About

https://nimet.gov.ng/

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