Senator Diket Plang, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Employment and Productivity, is advocating for the establishment of a comprehensive University of Mining and Geo-Science in Nigeria to boost the economic potential of the country’s solid minerals sub-sector.
Senator Plang underscored the urgent need to upgrade the Nigerian Institute of Mining and Geo-Science in Jos, Plateau State, into a full-fledged university equipped to deliver high-quality services.
While on a visit to the Institute, the Senator disclosed a bill proposing the university’s establishment is currently before the Senate, awaiting second reading and a public hearing.
He urged all stakeholders to support this initiative, emphasizing the prospect of adding substantial value within the mining and geosciences sectors.
The Senator, who represents Plateau Central in the National Assembly, expressed confidence in the Institute’s transition to university status, considering the infrastructure and resources it already possesses.
He highlighted the rich endowment of solid minerals in Plateau State, affirming that the University would act as a catalyst for rapid transformation of the Nigerian economy and provide technical services in all aspects of mining engineering and related courses.
The Director-General of the Institute, Professor Suleiman Hassan, declared the Institute has 23 pieces of standard equipment in addition to other facilities.
He maintains that the resources available will suffice to elevate the Institute to university level.
He further stated that the institution is presently providing training to other universities in the country, adding that university creation involves a gradual process.