ACCI, Uni Abuja mull creation of mines dep’t to develop sector

The Abuja Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the University of Abuja has proposed a partnership for the creation of the department of geology and mines to train students, thus developing the mine sector in the country. Speaking yesterday at the maiden University of Abuja and Acci day, the Vice Chancellor of UniAbuja, Prof Abdulrasheed […]

The Abuja Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the University of Abuja has proposed a partnership for the creation of the department of geology and mines to train students, thus developing the mine sector in the country.

Speaking yesterday at the maiden University of Abuja and Acci day, the Vice Chancellor of UniAbuja, Prof Abdulrasheed Na’Allah, noted that the relationship between the two institutions should morph into a legal one with the aim to improve industrialisation in the docile mining sector.

While recalling that the university had entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the chamber to build some infrastructures that would attract investments, Prof Na’Allah stated that plans to turn its campus into a tourist attraction would engender investments into the country and provide a practical learning field to students.

“The University of Abuja Senate has approved the establishment of geology and mineral into the institution and I want to say as the vice-chancellor that I do not want the government to be the one doing this, let this relationship leads to the establishment of a takeoff of an industry-led programme in the University of Abuja’s department of geology and mining and the university will play its part while the chamber will sponsor some necessary infrastructures.”

Speaking, the President of ACCI, Dr. Al-Mujtaba Abubakar noted that the MoU has prepared both institutions with a prepared skill to develop the workforce, business and educational institutions to preserve Nigeria’s competitiveness and economic strength.

While calling for closer synergy between the business community and academic institutions to fast-track national development, he said it has been able to conduct research, training, capacity building and continuing education, workshops and conferences, executive and regular MBAs among others in the institution.

Director General of ACCI, Victoria Akai, expressed optimism that the collaboration between industry and academia would lead to the development of innovation and improvement of existing goods and services.