The emergence of illegal mining practices at the Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) in Nigeria has caused significant upheaval within the educational institution, sparking shockwaves among students, staff, and university governing bodies. This situation prompted swift action from the Minister of Mineral Resources Development, Dr Dele Alake, who made the decision to suspend all mining activities at the university pending the outcome of ongoing investigations.
Following a meeting in Abuja with the OAU management, led by Vice-Chancellor Professor Adebayo Bamire, Minister Alake took note of concerns expressed by groups like the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), prompting calls for thorough investigations into the alleged illegal mining activities on campus.
Student organizations such as the NANS Senate and the OAU National University Student Association have strongly condemned these practices, emphasizing the risks they pose to the safety and well-being of the university community.
Under mounting pressure, the OAU management lodged a formal complaint with government authorities, leading to the involvement of the Nigeria Geological Survey Agency (NGSA) and the Mines Inspectorate to conduct on-site assessments and initial investigations.
Minister Alake emphasized the immediate need to halt all mining activities, regardless of their legality, to allow the Ministry to verify the authenticity of the operators’ documents.
Proposing a solution, the Vice-Chancellor of OAU highlighted the expertise of geologists and mining professionals at the university, suggesting the establishment of a research and training center focused on mineral resources to support the mining sector’s development.
By seeking an exploration license, OAU aims to engage in legal exploration and research activities to understand the distribution and quality of mineral resources. This approach not only benefits the university and local community but also contributes to the overall development of the mining sector.
This narrative sheds light on the challenges faced by OAU due to illicit mining practices but also underscores its potential to play a pivotal role in Nigeria’s mining industry growth. Collaboration among the university, regulatory bodies, and authorities is crucial to ensuring a safe, legal, and sustainable mining environment for all stakeholders involved.
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