By Martha Agas

The Nigerian Geological Survey Agency (NGSA) on Monday began a post-National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) programme for geoscience graduates to equip them with practical knowledge and relevant industrial skills.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that 13 graduates from the six geopolitical zones were selected through an online application process from about 500 applicants for a one-month intensive geosciences training programme.

Speaking  at the inauguration  on Monday  in Abuja,  the Minister  of Solid Minerals Development,  Dr Dele Alake,  described  the programme  as an investment  in professionals  shaping  Nigeria’s solid minerals sector.

Represented by the ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Mr Faruk Yabo, he said Nigeria’s mineral potential could translate into national prosperity only when supported by competent professionals, reliable geological information, responsible investment and modern technology.

He said the NGSA, as Nigeria’s foremost geoscience institution, played a strategic role in supporting mineral exploration, investment decisions and policy formulation, while building technical capacity for sustainable mineral development.

He stated that Nigeria was endowed with commercially important minerals, including gold, lithium, iron ore, barite and limestone, as well as critical and strategic minerals in high demand globally.

According to him, these resources offered immense opportunities for economic diversification, industrialisation, job creation and increased revenue.

“Under the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu and the Ministry’s seven Point Agenda, we are committed to building a sector that attracts credible investments.
‘Promotes local value addition and contributes meaningfully to national development,” he said.

The minister urged participants to see the programme as a bridge between academic knowledge and professional practice and commit to acquiring practical skills and applying their knowledge to address challenges in the geosciences sector.

“Approach it with discipline, with curiosity and a willingness to learn, make the most out of your facilitators and mentors and pay particular attention to practical competence in geological mapping.

“Mineral exploration,and evaluation, geophysical and geochemical investigation, remote sensing, GIS, laboratory analysis, digital technology, data management and environmental sustainability.

“Do not see this training merely as an opportunity to earn yet another certificate but as the beginning of a professional journey in your careers,” he said.

He said the mining value chain offered opportunities beyond conventional employment, including entrepreneurship and innovation in geological data studies, mineral testing, exploration support services, mineral processing, environmental consultancy and mining technology.

Alake said the training provided  the first cohort with an opportunity to become not only professionals but also innovators and employers of labour.

He, however, said their conduct and performance would help determine the programme’s future, urging them to distinguish themselves through excellence, commitment and measurable contributions, and serve as worthy ambassadors of NGSA and the country.

The Minister urged  the NGSA to expand the programme to accommodate more beneficiaries and sustain the initiative through building partnerships with universities, research institutions, professional bodies and private sector operators.

Earlier, the Director-General of NGSA, Prof. OluSegun Ige, said the initiative was designed to strengthen participants’ professional competence and employability.

Ige said that in spite the agency’s funding constraints, it was determined to equip young scientists with practical skills to bridge the gap between theory and industry practice.

He said the demands of the modern workplace required practical experience, technical proficiency, digital competence and the ability to translate theoretical knowledge into practical solutions.

He urged to make the best use of the expertise of the facilitators and cultivate professional relationships that will support their career development.

“I expect you (participants) to emerge from this training as a better equipped professional, innovative thinker, and potential driver of growth across the mineral exploration, evaluation development and value addition,” he said.

He said the agency was determined to continue providing a platform for developing skilled Nigerian graduates who would contribute to the growth, competitiveness and global advancement of the solid minerals sector.

Representing the participants, Nana Yakubu thanked the agency for the opportunity to be among the pioneers of the programme, assuring that the initiative would further prepare them for their future careers as geoscientists.

NAN report that the training covers various aspects of geosciences, including geophysics, geological mapping, geophysical investigation, hydro-engineering geology, mineral exploration and laboratory analysis, among other areas, with practical field visits.(NAN)

Edited by Peter Amine