Nigeria and Australia Join Forces to Address Mining Sector Skills Gap
Nigeria has partnered with Australia to bridge skills gaps in the mining sector through a pilot training programme for Nigerian professionals at Murdoch University. This initiative, launched by Minister Dr Dele Alake, covers various subjects and offers hands-on experience. It aims to strengthen bilateral ties and enhance Nigeria’s technical capabilities in mining.
Nigeria and Australia have formed a collaboration aimed at closing the skills gap present in the mining sector. This partnership was highlighted by Dr Dele Alake, Nigeria’s Minister of Solid Minerals Development, during the inauguration of a two-week pilot training programme. The initiative’s first group of 11 Nigerian mining professionals is currently training at Murdoch University in Australia.
Dr Alake indicated that this programme is a product of a vision that originated less than two years ago, with strong backing from the Commonwealth Government. He explained that the training covers diverse areas such as extractive metallurgy, sustainable geochemistry, and mineral science research, highlighting its comprehensive scope.
Participants in the programme will additionally engage in field trips and have direct interactions with industry professionals. This hands-on approach is designed to help them understand current mining trends, identify investment opportunities, and tackle sustainability issues.
The minister also expressed gratitude to both President Bola Tinubu and Leilani Bin-Juda, the Australian High Commissioner to Nigeria. Their support has been instrumental in actualising this training initiative. He emphasized the importance of collaborating with a nation like Australia, which is a leader in mining, to reinforce bilateral relations between the two countries.
“I express profound gratitude to the Vice-Chancellor and Faculty of Murdoch University for welcoming us so warmly. Establishing a working relationship with Australia enhances our development in the mining sectors,” Dr Alake stated.
He urged the participants to represent Nigeria well and to use the skills acquired to improve the country’s technical capabilities, contributing effectively to policy design and its application. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) highlighted that the bilateral agreement was formalized during the 2023 Africa Down Under Conference in Perth, establishing a framework for technical training aimed at improving Nigerian expertise in mining.
In summary, Nigeria’s partnership with Australia aims to fill critical skills gaps in the mining sector through a dedicated training programme. With support from key government figures and institutions, this initiative is set to enhance the expertise of Nigerian mining professionals while strengthening bilateral relations. The training not only offers theoretical knowledge but practical exposure to industry trends, thereby fostering long-term benefits for both nations.
Original Source: nannews.ng
