Unlocking Nigeria’s Solid Mineral Economic Potential: The Need for a University of Mining and Geo-Science

Senator Diket Plang, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Employment and Productivity, has underscored the pressing need for the establishment of a full-fledged University of Mining and Geo-Science in Nigeria to fully exploit the economic potential of the solid minerals sub-sector.

During a recent visit to the Nigerian Institute of Mining and Geo-Science in Jos, Senator Plang expressed his conviction that the establishment of such a university would catalyse rapid and beneficial development within the country’s solid minerals industry. The bill for the creation of this university in Jos has already undergone the first reading in the Senate and is anticipated to progress through subsequent readings and a public hearing.

The purpose of the Senator’s visit was primarily to assess the content and manpower development of the institute in preparation for its transformation into the University of Mining and Geo-Science, pending the bill’s approval and the President’s assent. He stressed that the institute’s structure and equipment are conducive to its upgrade to a university, highlighting the pivotal role that such an establishment would play in propelling the Nigerian economy forward.

He passionately declared, “I want to say that if established, it will serve as a vehicle for rapid transformation of the Nigerian economy, while its products should be able to provide technical services in all aspects of mining engineering and its allied courses.”

Given Nigeria’s rich endowment of solid minerals, the choice of Jos as the location for this proposed university is strategic due to the state’s abundance of such resources.

Senator Plang has initiated a bill to repeal the Act establishing the Institute of Mining with the aim of exploring the possibility of elevating its status to a full-fledged University of Mining, citing his deep interest in Nigeria’s mineral resources and the need to maximize mineral exploration.

Professor Suleiman Bolaji Hassan, the Director-General of the Institute, highlighted the institute’s possession of 23 standard pieces of equipment and other essential facilities that are indicative of its readiness for university status. He also mentioned the institute’s collaboration with other institutions in the country for undergraduate, postgraduate, and PhD training, emphasizing its preparedness for a smooth transition upon approval.

In his remarks, “By the time the government establishes this, it will be the first of its kind, if not in Africa; the one that will be competing with us will be that of Takwa in Ghana.”

A university of this nature holds the potential to not only enhance Nigeria’s economic development but also position it as a leader in mining and geosciences education and research on the continent.

In conclusion, the establishment of a University of Mining and Geo-Science represents a significant opportunity for Nigeria to harness its solid mineral resources to drive economic growth and technological advancement. It is a crucial step towards leveraging the country’s natural endowments and investing in the potential of its people in the field of mining and geosciences.