Nigeria and Australia Collaborate to Bridge Skills Gap in Mining Sector
Nigeria teams up with Australia in a new initiative to close the skills gap in the mining sector, marked by a pilot training programme at Murdoch University for 11 Nigerian professionals. The partnership aims to enhance technical knowledge and diplomatic relations while covering various relevant mining subjects.
Nigeria has announced a partnership with Australia to tackle the skills gap in its mining sector. Dele Alake, Nigeria’s minister of solid minerals development, shared the details in a statement released by his media assistant, Segun Tomori, on Sunday from Abuja. This collaboration includes a newly inaugurated two-week pilot training programme for 11 Nigerian mining professionals at Murdoch University in Australia, which aims to bridge these skills shortages and strengthen ties between the two countries.
Alake highlighted that this initiative is a significant step towards a vision that sprouted less than two years ago. The training will encompass a diverse range of topics including extractive metallurgy, sustainable geochemistry, and mineral science research. In addition to classroom learning, participants will also visit field sites and interact with industry experts to gather insights on mining trends and sustainability issues.
The minister specifically mentioned the critical support from President Bola Tinubu and the Australian High Commissioner to Nigeria, Leilani Bin-Juda, for facilitating this initiative. He extended his gratitude to the Vice-Chancellor and faculty at Murdoch University for their warm welcome. Alake emphasized that working with a prominent mining nation like Australia is vital for enhancing bilateral relationships and driving growth in both mining sectors.
Participants in the training were encouraged to act as ambassadors for Nigeria, leveraging their newfound skills to improve the country’s technical capabilities and contribute to effective policy-making. During his attendance at the 2023 Africa Down Under (ADU) Conference in Perth, Alake formalized a bilateral agreement with the Government of Western Australia through the Ministry of Mines and Petroleum and Murdoch University, furthering technical training for Nigerian mining professionals.
In summary, Nigeria’s partnership with Australia is aimed at bridging the skills gap in its mining sector through comprehensive training. The new programme not only addresses immediate educational needs but also strengthens diplomatic and economic ties between the two nations. With key support from Nigerian leadership and Australian institutions, the initiative has the potential to significantly enhance Nigeria’s mining expertise and policy framework.
Original Source: gazettengr.com
