Bridging the gap between the Town and Gown: KWSG in Collaborative Handshakes with KWASU to develop the Solid Minerals Sector

The Commissioner for Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Afees Abolore Alabi and some Ministry Management Team paid a courtesy call to the Kwara State University (KWASU), Malete.

This visit was made on Thursday, 23rd May, 2024 to the department of Geology and Minerals Science and as part of the tradition of the school, the said visit first led the Ministry officials to the management team of the University.

The visit which was considered very timely and apt was called with a view to seeking more insight knowledge through collaboration for possible greater exploit and development of the Solid Minerals Resources potentials in Kwara State.

The Commissioner while speaking emphasized the need for the University to support the government by bringing to the fore, some identified relevant contributions to knowledge of past researches and field works that have been undertaken by the University to aid the ongoing repositioning efforts of the Solid Minerals sector by the State Government.

The University Acting Chancellor, Prof. Sheikh Lukman Jimoh ably represented by one of the principal officers of the citadel of learning- the Liberian, Prof. Abdulsalam Abiodun Salman welcomed the team from the ministry and appreciate the Honourable Commissioner for the novel and laudable move of visiting the University for possible synergy. The Ag. VC. said that through efforts like this, a successful handshake will manifest in designing a sustainable road map for the Solid Minerals Sector. By so doing, the socio economic development of our dear state will receive a boost while also contributing to the potential increase in Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) of Kwara State.

The Head of the Department of Geology and Minerals Science, Dr. Ajadi Jimoh shared his broad view experience in class and on the field and calls neccesary policies and regulations to be put in place by the State Government. He made a firmed promise of their readiness to support and collaborate with the Government while calling for a think-tank team to be inaugurated so as to herald the kind of growth and development we would all be proud in the mining sector.

The Dean of the faculty ably represented by Prof. James also spoke extensively while some words were also taken from Dr. Shakirat and Dr. Jimoh of the Department of Geology and Minerals Science.

The Director Geological Services, Mr Kunle Adimula speaking on behalf of the ministry thanked the institution for the warm reception and the proposed support to be given to the ministry. He talked on the ongoing efforts of the ministry to secure an enabling law to back the mining operations and involvement of the State Government in the mining sector.