The University of Abuja, FCT, says plans have been concluded to begin mining activities withing the institution if declared Economic Free Zone for industries and investors to strive for National development.
The Vice Chancellor of the University, Prof. Abdul-Rasheed Na’Allah, disclosed this at the 2nd Anniversary of the partnership between the institution and the Abuja Chambers of Commerce and Industry (ACCI) in the University.
Na’Allah noted that in the next one year of partnership with ACCI, the University would have attained a global height worthy of emulation by other Universities across the nation.
“With this collaboration with ACCI, we will be meeting the responsibility bestowed on us, together with the expectations the Nigerian people and government want from us.
“One of the things we must achieve in the next one year is that the Federal Government would have given approval and declared the Economic Free Zone.
“Secondly in the next one year, we ought to have achieved the take off of the Department of Geology and Mining with students planning to finish one academic year,” he said.
Speaking at the ocassion, President of ACCI, Dr Al-Mujtaba Abubakar, urged the management of the university to ensure that the MoU signed between the two parties in 2021 is backed with a requisite legal framework.
Abubakar, who was represented by the Vice President, Agriculture, Kolawole Owoka, said the partnership is important to encourage the socio-economic development of the country.
According to him, a closer synergy between the business communities and academic institutions would fast-track national development and encourage entrepreneurship in the country.
On his part, Chairman, Global Committee Partnership of ACCI and University of Abuja, Prof. Adesoji Adesugba, reiterated the Commerce commitment to providing job opportunities for graduates in the institution.
Adesugba, who was represented by the Director General, ACCI, Victoria Akai, said other Chambers across the country are waiting for the success of the current partnership to tap into.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the MoU between the University and Commerce was signed on June 18, 2021, with a view to enhancing national development.