The University of Abuja and the Nigeria Geological Survey Agency (NGSA) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to collaborate on the development of the Department of Geology and Mining programme under the joint steering committee.
The partnership was sealed recently on behalf of the Vice Chancellor of the University of Abuja, Professor AbdulRasheed Na’Allah by the Deputy Vice Chancellor Professor Philip Afaha and the Director General of NGSA, Dr Abdulrasaq Garba, at the corporate headquarters of NGSA in Abuja.
In a statement signed and made available to Blueprint, Friday in Abuja by the Academic Head of Department, Geology & Mining, University of Abuja, Dr Aminu Abdullahi Isyaku, said the partnership is aimed to elevate the academic and research standards of both institutions through joint efforts in various areas including research and development, capacity building, resource sharing, infrastructure development, fieldwork facilitation, data collaboration, student internships, faculty and staff exchange, publications and dissemination, and community engagement.
According the statement, the Vice Chancellor who was represented, expressed enthusiasm about the collaboration, noting its potential to significantly impact the field of geology and mining in Nigeria.
He commended NGSA for its commitment to supporting academic initiatives that contribute to national development.
In his remarks, the Director General of NGSA, Dr Garba also emphasized the importance of the partnership in fostering innovation and excellence in geology and mining education.
He highlighted the agency’s dedication to providing students and faculty with access to resources and expertise of the NGSA professionals that will enhance their learning and research capabilities.
The Academic Head of the Department of Geology, Dr. Aminu Abdullahi Isyaku, highlighted the significance of the partnership, emphasizing the need for industry- academia collaboration.
He noted that this is the first department of geology in Nigeria deliberately designed to run in partnership with the industry and the first ever geoscience academic department in the FCT.
“Industry professionals are given adjunct positions to teach students real industry techniques, ensuring that graduates are well- rounded and highly employable in the geoscience and mining industry”.
The statement said: “The collaboration between the University of Abuja and NGSA is expected to enhance the academic and research capabilities of both institutions.
“It will also provide students with practical knowledge and skills that are directly applicable to the industry, increasing their employability and contribution to the development of the country’s geoscience and mining sector.”
