By Raymond Akorede
In a landmark step to bridge the technical skills gap in Nigeria’s mining sector, the Federal Government has flagged off a capacity-building programme for Nigerian mining professionals at Murdoch University, Western Australia.
The initiative, launched by Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Dele Alake, is a product of deepening collaboration between Nigeria and Australia, with strong backing from the Commonwealth Government of Australia. The programme focuses on extractive metallurgy, sustainable geochemistry, mineral science research, and real-world industry exposure through field trips and expert engagements.
Speaking at the official launch, Alake said the programme fulfills a vision set in motion less than two years ago, aimed at enhancing Nigeria’s technical capacity in mining governance and operations.
“I must not fail to acknowledge the encouragement and support of President Bola Tinubu, and the tireless efforts of the Australian High Commissioner to Nigeria, H.E. Leilani Bin-Juda,” Alake said. “She has been a pillar of support, constantly engaging, traveling, and ensuring this vision comes to life.”
The minister noted that the programme marks a critical step in transforming Nigeria’s mining sector into a cornerstone of national development. He also expressed appreciation to Murdoch University’s leadership for embracing the partnership.
“Establishing a working relationship with a leading mining nation like Australia is crucial to strengthening bilateral ties and fostering mutually beneficial development in our mining sectors,” Alake added.
This training follows a bilateral agreement signed during the 2023 Africa Down Under Conference in Perth, between Nigeria and the Government of Western Australia—through its Ministry of Mines and Petroleum—and Murdoch University. The agreement supports technical training for Nigerian professionals under a broader framework of economic cooperation.
According to a statement by the minister’s media aide, Segun Tomori, the two-week pilot training programme involves eleven Nigerian mining professionals and is expected to lay the groundwork for a broader, long-term engagement between the two countries.
Welcoming the Nigerian team, Murdoch University Vice-Chancellor, Professor Andrew Deeks, highlighted the global relevance of building technical expertise in the mining and resource sectors.
“This programme aligns with our mission to foster ethical, sustainable, and inclusive engagement across continents through impactful education and research,” said Deeks. “The support of the Commonwealth Government underscores the importance of our nations coming together to share knowledge for the mutual benefit of our societies.”
Also speaking at the event, Western Australia’s Minister for Mines and Petroleum, David Michael, expressed his government’s strong support for the partnership, calling it a model for international collaboration in responsible resource development.
Alake charged the participating Nigerian professionals to serve as “worthy ambassadors” and use the knowledge gained to improve Nigeria’s mining governance and policy formulation.
“Let this moment mark the beginning of a transformative journey—not just for those attending this course, but for the millions of Nigerians who stand to benefit from a better-governed, more inclusive, and more productive minerals sector,” he concluded.
The training programme is expected to expand in the coming months, strengthening Nigeria’s ambition to become a leading mining investment destination in Africa through skilled manpower and strategic global partnerships.
