The Geological Society of Nigeria (GSN) has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for approving the upgrade of the Federal Polytechnic, Nasarawa, to the Federal University of Mining, Engineering and Technology, Nasarawa.
The society described the development as a historic step that would strengthen Nigeria’s capacity to participate in the global energy transition and critical minerals value chain.
In a statement issued on Saturday by Saratu Aliyu, the GSN President, Uba Saidu Malami, said the establishment of the specialised university was a strategic intervention that would align Nigeria’s education system with the demands of the 21st century economy, particularly in solid minerals, renewable energy technologies and advanced manufacturing.
“At a time when the world is racing to secure supply chains for lithium, cobalt, rare earths and other critical minerals for batteries, solar and wind, Nigeria has taken a decisive step to build domestic capacity,” Malami said.
The society said the approval reflected President Tinubu’s commitment to the Renewed Hope Agenda by investing in specialised education as a catalyst for economic growth, job creation and industrialisation.
GSN also commended the Minister of Solid Minerals Development for providing policy direction aimed at repositioning the mining sector for investment, value addition and global competitiveness.
It equally acknowledged the contributions of the Nasarawa State Governor in creating an enabling environment for solid minerals development in the state, as well as Senator Ahmed Wadada Aliyu, representing Nasarawa West Senatorial District, for championing the proposal and advocating for the establishment of the institution.
The society noted that the President had directed the Federal Ministry of Education, the National Universities Commission (NUC) and other relevant agencies to commence immediate implementation of the upgrade.
According to GSN, the university’s establishment comes at a time when global demand for critical minerals is projected to rise significantly as countries pursue climate and clean energy targets.
It noted that Nigeria’s deposits of lithium, tin, columbite, barite and rare earth elements position the country as a key player in the emerging energy economy.
The Federal University of Mining, Engineering and Technology, Nasarawa, the society said, would produce world-class geoscientists, mining engineers and metallurgists, while promoting research in mineral processing and beneficiation to enable Nigeria move higher up the value chain.
The institution is also expected to promote environmental, social and governance (ESG) compliance, responsible mining practices and create thousands of skilled jobs for young Nigerians in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) and the green industrial sector.
“GSN stands ready to partner with the new university on curriculum development, accreditation, professional certification and industry linkages,” Malami added. “This is how we ensure Nigeria becomes a reliable partner in the global energy transition.”
The Geological Society of Nigeria congratulated the people of Nasarawa State and Nigerians on what it described as a landmark achievement.
