The Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Dele Alake, has thrown his weight behind the establishment of the Department of Gemology and Gemstones at Yakubu Gowon University in Abuja. This department is set to be groundbreaking, marking the first of its kind in Africa. It aligns well with Alake’s vision for boosting capacity building within Nigeria’s mining landscape.

During a meeting with a delegation from the department, which was led by Prof. Adesoji Adesugba, Alake highlighted the importance of this initiative. He referred to the department as a crucial knowledge centre for professionals engaged in the gemstone and jewellery sectors, believing it would foster a new wave of experts in the industry.

Alake celebrated the landmark creation of Africa’s first formal Gemology curriculum, stating, “The university’s initiative is a commendable leap forward. By building a strong talent pool, we are laying the foundation for long-term development and innovation in mining.”

In his comments, Prof. Adesugba commended the minister’s reforms, asserting they have reframed the sector for sustainable progress. He urged the minister for assistance in securing an affiliation between the university and the Gemological Institute of Nigeria, while promising the department would contribute to enhancing the mining sector’s role in Nigeria’s GDP.

Alake responded positively, saying he would fully support the affiliation and encouraged other universities to adopt similar mining-focused programs. “If we are to build local capacity, we must invest in training at home. Your department is a crucial step in that direction, especially in gemology and jewellery production,” he stated, adding that establishing dedicated mining universities is also on the agenda.

Prof. Adesugba was joined by several dignitaries during the visit, including Prof. Aminu Dankishiya, Dean of Science; Dr. Tinuke Temitope, Registrar of the Gemological Institute of Nigeria; and Dr. Aminu Isyaku, Head of Geology and Mining.

Dr. Dele Alake’s backing of the new Department of Gemology at Yakubu Gowon University is a significant step for Nigeria’s mining sector. The minister’s support underscores the importance of local training to enhance skills in the gemstone industry. With the establishment of Africa’s first Gemology curriculum, Nigeria is poised for a stronger mining future, aiming to cultivate a skilled workforce and drive economic growth.

Original Source: www.thisdaylive.com

The post Minister Champions New Gemology Department at Abuja University first appeared on Nigerian Mining News.

Dr Dele Alake, the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, has thrown his support behind Yakubu Gowon University’s newly established Department of Gemology and Gemstones in Abuja. This department is, notably, the first of its kind in Africa and fits squarely with Alake’s vision for strengthening Nigeria’s mining sector through capacity building.

During a meeting with a delegation from the department led by Prof Adesoji Adesugba, Alake highlighted the importance of this initiative, dubbing it a crucial resource for professionals in the gemstone and jewellery-making industries. He believes that cultivating expertise in this area can significantly boost Nigeria’s mining landscape.

Alake called the launch of Africa’s first formal curriculum in Gemology a watershed moment for the country. He stated, “The university’s initiative is a commendable leap forward. By building a strong talent pool, we are laying the foundation for long-term development and innovation in mining.”

In his response, Prof Adesugba acknowledged the minister’s reform efforts which, he pointed out, have transformed the mining sector significantly. He also sought Alake’s assistance in establishing a formal link between the university and the Gemological Institute of Nigeria, emphasising their commitment to enhancing the mining sector’s GDP contribution.

Alake assured the delegation that he fully supports this proposed affiliation, urging other educational institutions to emulate Yakubu Gowon University in offering mining-related courses. He asserted, “If we are to build local capacity, we must invest in training at home. Your department is a crucial step in that direction, especially in gemology and jewellery production.”

Also present during the visit were Prof Aminu Dankishiya, Dean of the Faculty of Science; Dr Tinuke Temitope, Registrar of the Gemological Institute of Nigeria; and Dr Aminu Isyaku, the Head of Geology and Mining. Their collective efforts seem aimed at reshaping the future of mining education in Nigeria, aligning it more closely with industry demands.

In summary, Dr Dele Alake’s endorsement of the new Gemology Department at Yakubu Gowon University is a significant move for Nigeria’s mining sector. It’s the first official programme of its kind in Africa and aims to develop local expertise and support economic growth through educational reforms in mining. The collaboration between the university and industry leaders signals a forward-thinking approach to advancing this important sector.

Original Source: blueprint.ng

The post Alake Champions New Gemology Department at Yakubu Gowon University first appeared on Nigerian Mining News.

Dr Dele Alake, the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, recently praised the launch of Africa’s inaugural Department of Gemmology and Gemstones at Yakubu Gowon University in Abuja. This is a strategic effort aimed at enhancing capacity in Nigeria’s mining sector and promoting innovation through education, according to the Minister.

During a meeting with the university delegation led by Professor Adesoji Adesugba, Alake identified the new department as a critical educational hub for professionals engaged in the gemstone and jewellery-making sectors. He remarked, “The university’s initiative is a commendable leap forward. By building a strong talent pool, we are laying the foundation for long-term development and innovation in mining.”

As noted by Segun Tomori, the Minister’s Special Assistant on Media, Dr Alake marked the establishment of Africa’s first structured curriculum in gemmology as a significant milestone for the entire industry. He stressed that this programme is essential for cultivating a skilled workforce capable of advancing the mining sector in Nigeria.

Professor Adesugba reflected on the positive impact of the Minister’s reforms in the solid minerals sector, claiming they have notably improved the industry’s outlook for sustainable growth. He requested ministerial assistance to secure a formal partnership between the university and the Gemological Institute of Nigeria, reaffirming the department’s dedication to supporting the Ministry’s goals of enhancing mining’s economic impact.

In turn, Dr Alake assured his backing for the proposed partnership and encouraged more institutions to adopt similar mining-focused curricula. “To build local capacity, we must invest in training at home. Your department is crucial in that direction, especially in gemmology and jewellery production. We are also working towards establishing full-fledged universities of mining, and your input will be invaluable,” he pointed out.

Joining Professor Adesugba in the courtesy visit were several notable individuals, including Professor Aminu Dankishiya, Dean of Science; Dr Tinuke Temitope, Registrar of the Gemological Institute of Nigeria; and Dr Aminu Isyaku, Head of the Department of Geology and Mining, among others.

The launch of the Department of Gemmology and Gemstones at Yakubu Gowon University represents a key advancement in Nigeria’s educational and mining sectors. The initiative aims to bolster skilled workforce capacity, aligning with national growth strategies. Minister Dr Alake’s support highlights the importance of local training and collaboration with established institutions, fostering a potentially transformative impact on the industry.

Original Source: leadership.ng

The post Minister Praises Launch of Africa’s First Gemology Department in Abuja first appeared on Nigerian Mining News.