The University of Abuja and the Gemological Institute of Nigeria (GIN) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to strengthen the mining sector.

GIN president and first deputy president, Abuja Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI), Adesoji Adesugba, said during the signing that the MoU would leverage the expertise of both parties.

Mr Adesugba said: “The agreement aims to leverage the combined expertise and resources of both institutions to foster innovation, research, and skill development in the fields of geology, gemology, and mining.

“The partnership endeavours to establish a formal collaboration between GIN and the Department of Gemology and Mining at the University of Abuja.

“By integrating their strengths, the two institutions aspire to create a unified platform for geoscience education, gemology, and mining research in Nigeria.

“This initiative underscores a broader vision to diversify Nigeria’s economy and position the country as a frontrunner in the mining sector,’’ he said.

According to Mr Adesugba, GIN, a pioneering gemology institution in the country, will collaborate closely with the university’s geology and mining departments to enrich the academic curriculum with gemology and jewellery-making aspects. 

He said the integration would not only enhance academic programmes but also foster entrepreneurship in the jewellery sector.

Mr Adesugba reiterated that Nigeria had a rich diversity of gemstones and minerals but decried the untapped potential of these resources.

He said, “The rationale behind the partnership is to create a centralised institution dedicated to geology, gemology, and jewellery making.

“It aims to serve as a hub for knowledge, research, and skill development in the mining sector.

“The partnership’s objectives include establishing Nigeria’s leading school of mines, developing a robust mines business line in the private sector, and strengthening the solid minerals sector through academic and practical training.”

According to him, the initiative also aimed to boost Nigeria’s economic diversification agenda by promoting sustainable mining practices and tapping into the global market for Indigenous gemstones and jewellery designs.

He restated the commitment of both institutions to uphold the highest quality assurance and confidentiality throughout the partnership.

He further said any disputes arising from the agreement would be resolved through mutual negotiation, with arbitration as a final recourse.

The vice-chancellor of the university, Abdul-Rasheed Na’Allah, expressed appreciation on behalf of the school for the privilege of being the pioneer of the university in the field of gemology in Nigeria.

While pledging his support to the centre, Mr Na’Allah reaffirmed the commitment of the institution to enhancing training capacity for the students.

“With a duration of five years, the MoU sets the stage for a transformative collaboration between GIN and our university, with the potential to drive innovation, entrepreneurship, and economic growth in Nigeria’s mining sector,’’ he said.

The ACCI 2nd deputy president, Aliyu Hong, and the ACCI director-general, Agabaidu Jideani, were also present at the signing.

The director of the ACCI BEST Centre, Tinuke Temitope, ACCI general counsel, Hauwa Usman, and Aminu Isyaku, head of the department of geology of the university, among others, were also at the event. 

(NAN)