OAU Keen on Mining

The Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife is keen on exploring the mineral resources deposited in its campus and environs.

The keenness was shown as the Vice Chancellor of the University, Professor Adebayo Bamire, paid a visit to the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr Dele Alake, in his office to find a lasting solution to the illegal mining activities taking place in the institution.

The VC disclosed that the University had applied for an exploration licence, expressing that with the anticipated approval, the institution would be carrying out exploration, discovering the distribution and quality of mineral resources within the University environs.

While responding to Alake on the indefinite suspension of mining activities in OAU, the VC expressed his gratitude to the Minister, pledging the capacity of the institution to play an active role in exploration, research, and other sectors of the mining chain.

He said, “We have some of the best geologists and mining professionals in the country. We feel we need to set up a sort of excellent research and training facility on mineral resources within the University.

“If we can get that in the University, it will help us support the University community, and the state and ultimately contribute to the development of the mining sector,” said the VC.

The Minister however, due to the activities of illegal mining in the University has placed an indefinite suspension on mining activities within the premises of the University, the University teaching hospital, and around the areas and boundaries of the University until a thorough investigation is conducted.

The Minister disclosed that he had deployed officials of the Nigeria Geological Survey Agency (NGSA) and Mines Inspectorate for an on-the-spot assessment, which indicated some mining activities on the premises.

“The ministry then stopped all activities, whether legal or illegal, for further investigations,” the Minister disclosed.

He stated that when they summoned some operators found out to be carrying out illegal activities, they presented some licences and letters of consent ” which necessitated further investigations to ascertain their authenticity, hence the imperative of inviting the university authorities for a parley.

What’s your thought about this?

Kindly like, comment, follow, and share.