Improving Standards of Education in the Extractive Industry: FG Accredits 19 Institutions
The Federal Government has recently bestowed certificates of accreditation upon 19 institutions as a means of uplifting the standard of education for aspiring mining engineers, geoscientists, and other professionals in the extractive industry.
This commendable initiative, which occurred in Abuja, was orchestrated by the Council of Nigerian Mining Engineers and Geoscientists (COMEG), the regulatory authority responsible for overseeing all professionals and firms in the geosciences, mines, and steel sectors.
During the ceremonial presentation of the certificates, Minister of Mines and Steel Development, Olamilekan Adegbite, lauded COMEG for its steadfast commitment to continually registering professionals. He underscored the necessity of ongoing monitoring and assessment of the educational process in tertiary institutions, emphasizing the council’s significant achievement. Adegbite also encouraged the accredited institutions to continually strive for improvement and avoid complacency.
Dr. Godspower Ebimotimi Okpoi, the Chairman of COMEG, accentuated the primacy of training in the COMEG Act and stressed that exceptional professional practice is a result of high-quality education and training. He also announced the establishment of a committee to review the National Universities Commission’s Core Curriculum and Minimum Academic Standards document in order to develop COMEG’s equivalent.
Professor Zacheus Opafunso, the Registrar and Chief Executive of COMEG, praised the accredited institutions and urged those that have not yet been accredited to cooperate with COMEG in their pursuit of accreditation. He expressed gratitude for the revival of the accreditation process under the leadership of President Muhammadu Buhari. In 2021, 30 programs in 19 tertiary institutions in the South-West, South-East, and South-South of the country received accreditation.
The accredited institutions encompass a variety of disciplines including geology, geophysics, mining engineering, and remote sensing. Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Delta State University, Obafemi Awolowo University, University of Lagos, and Federal University of Technology, Akure, are among the accredited institutions.
This notable acknowledgment and accreditation by the Federal Government and COMEG are pivotal steps towards enhancing the standard of education and professional practice in the extractive industry. It is a testament to the dedication of both institutions and underscores the significance of collaboration between the government and regulatory bodies to ensure elevated standards in education and professional development. These advancements undoubtedly will have a positive impact on the mining and geoscience sectors, contributing to the overall enhancement of the extractive industry in Nigeria and beyond.
