FG, Australian varsity partner to train Nigeria’s mining professionals

The federal government has launched a capacity enhancement programme for the first batch of Nigerian mining professionals at Murdoch University, Australia.

In a statement on Sunday, Segun Tomori, spokesperson to Dele Alake, minister of solid minerals development, described the initiative as a key outcome of the Nigeria-Australia collaboration, supported by the Commonwealth government.

Tomori said the programme aims to address skill gaps in the mining sector and strengthen bilateral ties between Nigeria and Australia.

“The initiative stems from a bilateral agreement signed by Alake during the 2023 Africa Down Under (ADU) Conference in Perth, Australia,” he said.

“The agreement, entered with the Government of Western Australia—through the Australian Ministry of Mines and Petroleum—and Murdoch University, seeks to facilitate technical training for Nigerian mining professionals.”

According to the statement, the collaboration, also supported by the Australian high commission in Nigeria, has led to the commencement of a two-week pilot training programme involving 11 Nigerian participants at Murdoch University.

“The training covers a wide range of subjects, including extractive metallurgy, sustainable geochemistry, and mineral science research,” the statement reads.

“Participants will also embark on field trips and engage directly with industry experts to explore mining trends, investment opportunities, and sustainability challenges.”

Speaking at the launch, Alake said the programme represents the fruition of a vision conceived less than two years ago.

“I must not fail to acknowledge the encouragement and support of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and the efforts of the Australian High Commissioner to Nigeria, H.E. Leilani Bin-Juda, who has been a pillar of support throughout this process—constantly engaging, traveling back and forth and ensuring this vision comes to life,” he said.

“I also express profound gratitude to the Vice-Chancellor and faculty of Murdoch University for opening their facilities to us so warmly.

“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 urged the participants to be worthy ambassadors of Nigeria and leverage the training to enhance the country’s technical capabilities while contributing to evidence-based policy design and implementation.

“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 added.

Welcoming the Nigerian delegation, Andrew Deeks, a professor and vice-chancellor of Murdoch University, highlighted the significance of capacity building in the global resources sector.

He said the exchange programme aligns with the university’s mission to foster ethical, sustainable, and inclusive engagement through impactful education and research.

“The support of the Commonwealth Government underscores the importance of our nations coming together to share knowledge for the mutual benefit of our societies,” Deeks said.

David Michael, a Western Australian minister for mines and petroleum, also expressed support for the collaborative approach to resource development.