The Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake, has urged the Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, to leverage its mineral resources and intellectual capacity to establish a world-class Centre of Mining Excellence.
Alake made the call while receiving a delegation of the university’s Governing Council, led by Prof. Ralph Akinfeleye.
According to a statement issued by the Minister’s Special Assistant on Media, Lara Owoeye-Wise, Alake said the proposed centre could help bridge the gap between academic knowledge and the practical processes involved in the exploration, extraction and processing of mineral resources.
The minister stressed the need for universities to move beyond theoretical knowledge by developing stronger connections between academic research, innovation and industry.
He said OAU possessed the intellectual and technical capacity required to become a major centre for mining research and expertise, particularly if the institution effectively harnessed its available mineral resources.
Alake further noted that the commercial value of mineral resources available to the university could potentially help the institution generate additional revenue and reduce its dependence on government subventions.
He encouraged the university’s management to explore partnerships with private-sector investors to unlock the commercial potential of its mineral assets.
According to the minister, the university’s technical expertise and academic reputation could provide it with an advantage in attracting credible investors and industry partners.
The delegation to the minister included Ambassador Edward Sarki, Joseph Abaagu, Prof. Olatunbosun Adedayo and Barrister Yinka Ayanfola.
The proposed mining centre, if developed, could provide opportunities for advanced research, specialised training and practical engagement in Nigeria’s solid minerals sector.
It could also strengthen collaboration between the university, government and private-sector stakeholders while contributing to efforts to develop the country’s mining industry and expand opportunities for innovation and skills development.
Alake’s call comes amid renewed efforts by the Federal Government to promote the solid minerals sector as an important contributor to economic diversification.
For OAU, the proposal presents an opportunity to combine its academic and technical expertise with available natural resources to strengthen research, practical training and institutional revenue generation.
