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Nigeria, Murdoch University Strengthen Collaboration on Mining Skills Development

Published

2 weeks ago

September 14, 2026

Joel Ajayi

Nigeria and Murdoch University, Western Australia, have reaffirmed their commitment to deepening knowledge transfer and professional capacity building in Nigeria’s solid minerals sector.

In a statement signed on Monday by the Special Assistant on Media to the Minister of Solid Minerals Development Lara Owoeye-Wise made this known when the Nigerian delegation to Africa Down Under (ADU) 2026 held strategic discussions with the university’s management on the next phase of the Nigeria–Australia Resource Industry Collaboration and Capacity Building Program.

The delegation, led by the representative of the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Mr. Dele Alake, Director-General of the Mining Cadastre Office, Engr. Obadiah Nkom, met with Professor Dee O’Connor, Dean, School of Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences, and other representatives of Murdoch University on the sidelines of the conference.

The engagement focused on consolidating the gains of the programme’s first two cohorts and developing an expanded third phase with stronger industry exposure, longer practical engagement and a sharper focus on preparing Nigerian mining professionals to identify, develop and present commercially viable opportunities.

The Nigeria–Australia programme, a partnership between the Federal Ministry of Solid Minerals Development and Murdoch University, has already trained two cohorts of 11 Nigerian officials each since its launch in June 2025.

The programme combines technical, policy and leadership learning with field visits, industry engagement, job shadowing, workshops and exposure to Australia’s world-class resources governance and mining ecosystem.

Nkom said knowledge transfer was central to Nigeria’s mining reform agenda, stressing that sustainable transformation of the sector required Nigeria to build the human capacity to absorb and apply global best practices.

“Minister Dele Alake’s vision is not simply to attract capital and technology into Nigeria, but to ensure that Nigerians acquire the knowledge and expertise to deploy, manage and ultimately advance those capabilities themselves. This partnership with Murdoch University is therefore a critical investment in the people who will drive the next generation of Nigeria’s mining industry,” Nkom said.

He said the proposed third cohort would build on the experience of the first two intakes by introducing stronger industry immersion, internships or job-shadowing opportunities, live industry case studies and training that would enable participants to develop investor-ready mining opportunities.

Professor Dee O’Connor reaffirmed Murdoch University’s commitment to the partnership, saying the institution was ready to continue supporting Nigeria’s ambition to build a responsible, technically capable and globally competitive resources sector.

“We are very pleased to continue this partnership with Nigeria. Our commitment is to deepen the exchange of knowledge and experience between our institutions and to ensure that the programme continues to respond to the real needs of Nigeria’s mining sector and its people,” she said.

The partnership reflects the broader objective of the Federal Ministry of Solid Minerals Development to build a knowledge-driven mining sector capable of attracting investment, promoting responsible resource development, strengthening local expertise and driving value addition.

For Nigeria, the collaboration also provides a platform for sustained institutional cooperation with Australian universities, regulators, industry and research institutions, ensuring that international expertise is translated into lasting Nigerian capacity.

The proposed third phase will therefore seek to move beyond conventional professional training towards practical knowledge transfer, industry immersion and the development of a new cadre of Nigerian mining professionals equipped to contribute directly to exploration, project development, investment promotion, ESG compliance and downstream value addition.

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Nigeria at 66: ‘We Must Not Lose Faith in Nigeria’ — FCC Boss Omidiran

Published

8 hours ago

October 1, 2026

The Gleamer

Joel Ajayi

The Executive Chairman of the Federal Character Commission (FCC), Honorable Hulayat Motunrayo Omidiran, has called on Nigerians to use the occasion of the nation’s 66th Independence Anniversary to renew their faith in Nigeria, strengthen national unity and recommit themselves to building a more inclusive and prosperous country.

In her 66th Independence Day message, Hon. Omidiran described October 1 as more than a celebration of freedom, saying the anniversary provides an opportunity for Nigerians to reflect on the country’s journey, acknowledge its progress and challenges, and renew the collective determination to build a nation where every citizen has a sense of belonging.

According to the FCC Executive Chairman, the Federal Character Principle remains particularly important to the quest for national cohesion because equitable representation promotes a sense of ownership and confidence in the Nigerian project.

“Nigeria is a nation of great diversity and
enormous potential. Our responsibility is to ensure that this diversity becomes a bridge that connects us rather than a barrier that separates us. Every Nigerian deserves to feel that he or she belongs to this country and has a role to play in its development,” Omidiran said.

The FCC boss called on government institutions at all levels to remain committed to fairness, equity, accountability and inclusive governance, while urging citizens to support efforts aimed at strengthening national institutions and promoting peaceful coexistence.

“We must not lose faith in Nigeria. The challenges before us are real, but so are the opportunities and the enormous human and natural resources available to us. Every citizen has a responsibility to contribute his or her own quota to building the Nigeria we desire,” she stated.

The FCC Executive Chairman also urged young Nigerians to remain committed to acquiring knowledge and skills, entrepreneurship, innovation, sports and other productive ventures, describing the youth as critical stakeholders in the country’s future.

“As we celebrate 66 years of independence, let us remember that the Nigeria we want cannot be built by government alone. It requires the commitment of all of us – leaders and citizens, young and old, from every part of the federation. Together, we can build a Nigeria where justice, fairness, opportunity and peace are available to all,” she said.

Omidiran reaffirmed the FCC’s commitment to the effective discharge of its constitutional mandate and to supporting efforts that promote equitable representation and inclusive national development across the federation.

The former lawmaker wished Nigerians at home and abroad a peaceful and memorable 66th Independence Anniversary, praying for continued peace, stability, prosperity and progress for the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

“Our differences should never be greater than our common identity as Nigerians. Let us continue to choose unity over division, service over self-interest and hope over despair. The Nigeria of our dreams is possible if we all play our part,” Omidiran said.

“On behalf of the Federal Character Commission, I congratulate all Nigerians on this 66th Independence Anniversary. May this occasion renew our patriotism, strengthen our unity and inspire us to work together for a stronger, more equitable and prosperous Nigeria. May God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” she added.

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