Mr Kayode Fayemi, the Minister of Mines and Steel Development, on Monday called for collaborative efforts with universities to explore Nigeria’s abundant mineral resources.
He made the plea at the Golden Jubilee celebration of Geology Department of Ahmadu Bello University (ABU) (1967-2017) held at the main campus of the institution, Samaru, Zaria, Kaduna State.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the golden jubilee was also organised to honour the founding father of ABU Geology Department, late Dr John Right.
The minister, represented by a director in the ministry, Mr Patrick Ojeka, observed that geologists and scientists have a major role to play in the development of Nigeria.
“Nigeria as a nation is blessed with natural resources; we need to assiduously work hard to be able to ascertain the resource reserve of the nation.
“Yes, it is generally said that we have 44 mineral types occurring across the country, equally, every local government is blessed with one mineral or the other.
“We need to look deeply into strengthening the collaborative work carrying detailed research to now determine and quantify what we have,” he said.
He encouraged young undergraduate students to be focused in their studies and to be driven by the zeal to attain the pinnacle.
In his speech, the Vice-Chancellor of ABU, Prof. Ibrahim Garba, identified Patricia Macury, Cornelius Cockbey, Mama Ajakaye, Umar Rahman, Bisi Ajibade and Dada S. S. as famous names in the development of geology in Nigeria.
He recalled that late Right died in 2014 at the age of 83 years but lived a life of great service to the development of geology in Nigeria, West Africa and the world at large.
“During his stay at ABU, between 1967 and 1970, he pioneered the establishment and development of geology as a programme and later as a full-fledged department by 1969.
“John Right was joined by a volunteer, young Patricia Macury, who also registered as the first MSc. student of the department and graduated in 1970.
