The Nigerian Senate has approved a bill to establish the Federal University of Mining and Geo-Science in Jos, Plateau State, signaling a significant move to enhance the country’s mining sector.
The bill, which repeals the Nigerian Institute of Mining and Geo-Science Act of 2018, was passed on Tuesday after the upper chamber considered the report of the Committee on Tertiary Institutions and TETFUND, chaired by Muntari Dandutse.
The bill, sponsored by Diket Plang (APC, Plateau Central), aims to provide a platform for advanced study and research in mining and geo-science, addressing the country’s need to better utilize its mineral resources.
The Committee of the Whole reviewed the bill clause by clause, and it was passed following a majority voice vote led by Senate President, Godswill Akpabio.
In his report, Dandutse highlighted the widespread support the bill had received from various stakeholders. “Many stakeholders unanimously supported the establishment of the mining university,” he said, noting that the bill had been carefully examined and approved by the majority during a public hearing. Okechukwu Ezea, the senator for Enugu North, seconded the motion to pass the bill.
During the subsequent debate, Plang underscored the significance of the bill, mentioning the support from Governor Caleb Mutfwang of Plateau State, six first-class monarchs, and other stakeholders in the mining industry. “The public hearing on this bill was overwhelming. We had the governor of Plateau, six first-class traditional rulers, and various stakeholders from the mining institute in attendance,” he said.
Plang further emphasized the potential of the new university, noting that Nigeria’s mineral-rich regions would benefit from enhanced local expertise in mineral exploration and mining. “If God has blessed us with mineral resources, it becomes our duty to deepen our knowledge in the area of where we are gifted so that the exploration, exploitation, and mining of minerals will be done by Nigerians themselves,” he added.
Following the debate, Senate President Akpabio praised the bill’s passage, expressing confidence that the new university would contribute significantly to Nigeria’s mining industry. “I congratulate all Nigerians. Indeed, we now have a mining university, and then we will now focus on mining. Mining is a major revenue source. This Senate is taking the right direction,” he remarked.
With the Senate’s approval, the bill will now be sent to the House of Representatives for concurrence, marking a key step toward the establishment of the Federal University of Mining and Geo-Science.
