The Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Dele Alake, has promised unwavering support for the newly established Department of Gemology and Gemstones at Yakubu Gowon University, Abuja.
According to a press statement released on Tuesday, April 29, 2025, by Segun Tomori, Special Assistant on Media to the Minister, this pioneering initiative, the first of its kind in Africa, aligns with Dr. Alake’s strategic vision for enhanced capacity building within Nigeria’s mining sector.
During a meeting with a delegation from the department, led by Prof. Adesoji Adesugba, Dr. Alake lauded the new department as a crucial centre of knowledge for professionals across the gemstone and jewellery-making value chain. He emphasized that this initiative would significantly strengthen Nigeria’s mining industry by cultivating a new generation of experts capable of driving sectoral growth.
Dr. Alake hailed the establishment of Africa’s first formal curriculum in Gemology as a significant achievement, stating: “The university’s initiative is a commendable leap forward. By building a strong talent pool, we are laying the foundation for long-term development and innovation in mining.”
Prof. Adesugba, in his remarks, commended the Minister’s ongoing reforms, noting their positive impact on repositioning the sector for sustainable growth. He appealed for the Minister’s support in securing a formal affiliation between the university and the Gemological Institute of Nigeria and pledged the department’s commitment to supporting the ministry’s objectives, particularly in increasing mining’s contribution to Nigeria’s GDP.
Responding to the request, Dr. Alake pledged full backing for the proposed affiliation and urged other institutions to follow Yakubu Gowon University’s example in incorporating mining-focused courses into their curriculum. “If we are to build local capacity, we must invest in training at home. Your department is a crucial step in that direction, especially in gemology and jewelry production. We are also working toward establishing full-fledged universities of mining, and your input will be invaluable,” he added.
Accompanying Prof. Adesugba on the courtesy visit were Prof. Aminu Dankishiya, Dean of Science, Yakubu Gowon University; Dr. Tinuke Temitope, Registrar, Gemological Institute of Nigeria; and Dr. Aminu Isyaku, Head of Department of Geology and Mining, among other dignitaries.
