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.

In a significant move for Nigeria’s mining sector, Dr. Dele Alake, the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, has expressed strong support for the new Department of Gemology and Gemstones at Yakubu Gowon University in Abuja. This is notable as it’s the first of its kind in all of Africa, marking a crucial development in the region’s academic landscape.

During a recent meeting with a university delegation, including Prof. Adesoji Adesugba, Dr. Alake referred to the department as a “vital hub of knowledge” for professionals involved in the gemstone and jewellery industries. The minister highlighted that this initiative would help bolster Nigeria’s mining sector by creating a new generation of skilled workers vital for the industry’s growth.

Dr. Alake further called the establishment of Africa’s first formal Gemology curriculum a remarkable milestone and asserted, “The university’s initiative is a commendable leap forward.” This investment in talent development is seen as foundational for fostering long-term progress and innovation in the mining field.

Prof. Adesugba, reflecting on the importance of these reforms, lauded Dr. Alake’s approach, suggesting that it has significantly repositioned the mining sector for sustainable growth. He also sought support for formal affiliation with the Gemological Institute of Nigeria while emphasising the potential for the department to enhance mining’s contribution to Nigeria’s GDP.

In a promising response, Dr. Alake committed to fully support this proposed affiliation. He urged other educational institutions to emulate Yakubu Gowon University by introducing mining-centric courses into their curricula. He stated, “If we are to build local capacity, we must invest in training at home.”

Dr. Alake’s media representative, Segun Tomori, emphasised the importance of the new department in gemology and jewellery production, indicating ongoing plans to establish comprehensive mining universities as well. Prof. Adesugba was accompanied by notable faculty members during the visit, highlighting the university’s collaborative spirit.

The establishment of the Department of Gemology and Gemstones at Yakubu Gowon University represents a pioneering step in Africa’s mining education and capacity building. With strong backing from Minister Dr. Dele Alake, this initiative aims to cultivate a skilled workforce to advance Nigeria’s mining industry. Further affiliations and reforms are anticipated to strengthen the sector’s contribution to the economy.

Original Source: guardian.ng

The post Minister Alake Champions Africa’s First Gemology Department in Abuja first appeared on Nigerian Mining News.