Alake pledges support for Gowon University's first gemology dept in Africa

Dele Alake, Minister of Solid Minerals Development, has expressed his unwavering support for the newly-established Department of Gemology and Gemstones at Yakubu Gowon University, Abuja.

A statement from the Ministry noted that the Minister made the pledge when he received a delegation from the Department led by Adesoji Adesugba,

This pioneering initiative marks the first formal curriculum in Gemology in Africa, aligning with the Minister’s vision for enhanced capacity building in Nigeria’s mining sector.

Alake, who described the new Department as a vital hub of knowledge, praised the University’s initiative, stating that it would strengthen Nigeria’s mining industry by cultivating a new generation of experts equipped to drive sectoral growth.

He emphasised the importance of building local capacity through training at home, calling on other institutions to follow Yakubu Gowon University’s lead in incorporating mining-focused courses.

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“If we are to build local capacity, we must invest in training at home. Your department is a crucial step in that direction, especially in gemology and jewelry production. We are also working toward establishing full-fledged universities of mining, and your input will be invaluable,” he added

The Minister pledged full backing for the proposed affiliation between the University and the Gemological Institute of Nigeria, highlighting the potential for collaborative efforts to enhance mining’s contribution to Nigeria’s GDP.

Adesoji Adesugba, leader of the delegation, expressed gratitude for the Minister’s support, pledging the Department’s commitment to supporting the Ministry’s goals.

This development marks a significant step towards developing Nigeria’s mining sector and promoting local capacity building in gemology and gemstone expertise.

Ruth Tene Natsa

Ruth Tene, Assistant Editor, Agric/Solid Minerals/INEC Ruth Tene is an award-winning journalist with over 15 years experience in developmental reporting across several newsrooms, as a reporter, editor and other managerial roles. She holds a Postgraduate Diploma in Journalism from the University of Maiduguri among several other certifications She has attended several trainings and certifications both locally and internationally and has been recognized for her impactful work in humanitarian reporting, receiving the Gold Award for Humanitarian Services from the Amazing Grace Foundation. She is also a recipient of the Home Alliance Fellowship, reflecting her commitment to fostering a more humane, safer and more sustainable planet. An active member of professional journalism bodies, Ruth is affiliated with the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), the National Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), and the Agricultural Correspondents Association of Nigeria (ACAN), where she continues to advocate for excellence, ethical reporting, and development-focused journalism.