The Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Dele Alake, has challenged the Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, to harness its abundant mineral deposits and intellectual capacity to promote mining development, research, innovation and value addition.
Alake gave the charge when he received a delegation from the university’s Governing Council, led by Professor Ralph Akinfeleye.
According to the Minister in a statement by his Special Assistant on Media, Lara Owoeye-Wise, on Sunday, OAU possesses sufficient mineral and human resources to establish a world-class mining centre capable of linking academic research with mineral exploration, extraction and processing.
He said the commercial development of mineral resources available to the institution could also boost its internally generated revenue and reduce its dependence on government funding.
Other members of the delegation included Ambassador Edward Sarki, Barr. Joseph Abaagu, Professor Olatunbosun Adedayo and Barrister Yinka Ayanfola.
Alake urged the university to consider strategic partnerships with private investors, stressing that such collaborations could provide the capital and equipment needed to develop its mineral resources while creating revenue opportunities for the institution.
He noted that OAU's pool of experts could also play critical roles as consultants and technical partners in mining projects.
The Minister further disclosed that the Federal Government had adopted a competitive bidding process for the development of designated bitumen blocks, allowing qualified investors to participate in the exploitation of Nigeria’s bitumen resources.
He, however, clarified that while individuals or institutions may own land, mineral resources found beneath such land remain vested in the Federal Government and must be explored and exploited in line with existing laws and regulations.
Alake called for a mutually beneficial approach that would protect legitimate interests while ensuring that the Federal Government maintains its constitutional and regulatory responsibilities over Nigeria’s mineral resources.
He commended OAU for its contributions to the development of Nigeria’s mining sector, particularly in the training of geologists and other professionals.
The Minister urged universities across the country to move beyond knowledge creation and focus on transforming research and expertise into practical solutions, businesses and economic opportunities.
Alake reaffirmed the commitment of the Ministry of Solid Minerals Development to strengthening Nigeria’s mining sector through transparent regulations, responsible mining practices, value addition and policies designed to attract investment.