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By Martha Agas

The Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr Dele Alake, has commended the establishment of Africa’s first Gemology and Gemstones Department at the Yakubu Gowon University, Abuja.

Alake described the new department as a significant milestone in developing a formal curriculum for the sector, emphasising its role as a vital hub of knowledge for professionals in the gemstone and jewelry-making value chain.

In a statement by his Special Assistant on Media, Segun Tomori, on Tuesday in Abuja, he highlighted the initiative’ s importance in repositioning the gemstone sector and mining industry at large.

“The initiative will strengthen Nigeria’s mining industry by cultivating a new generation of experts equipped to drive sectoral growth,” he said.

He pledged support for the initiative stating that it aligned with his strategic vision for enhanced capacity building within Nigeria’s mining sector.

The minister also expressed his commitment to support the department’ s request for affiliation with the Gemological Institute of Nigeria, and encouraged other institutions to emulate Yakubu Gowon University’s by incorporating mining-focused courses.

According to the minister, the government is also working toward establishing full-fledged universities dedicated to mining.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that a delegation from the department, led by Prof. Adesoji Adesugba, had earlier visited the minister in in Abuja to seek support in securing formal affiliation between the university and the Gemological Institute of Nigeria.(NAN)(www.nannews)

Edited by Gabriel Yough

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Muhyideen Jimoh

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