Alake Advocates for Mining Innovation at Awo Varsity

Dr. Dele Alake, the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, called on Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) in Ile-Ife to utilize its mineral and intellectual resources to create a world-class center of excellence in mining. This initiative aims to connect academic research with mineral extraction and processing.

During a meeting with a delegation from OAU's Governing Council, led by Professor Ralph Akinfeleye, Alake emphasized that the university's mineral resources could reduce its reliance on government funding and enhance financial sustainability. He encouraged OAU to pursue private-sector partnerships to unlock the commercial potential of its mineral assets, highlighting the university's technical expertise as a means to attract investors.

Alake also mentioned the Federal Government's restructuring of Nigeria's bitumen resources, allowing competitive bidding for designated blocks. He clarified that while the university owns the land, the mineral resources are under federal jurisdiction, necessitating compliance with relevant laws.

Alake praised OAU's contributions to training professionals in the mining sector and urged further involvement in exploration and commercialization.