*Dr. Dele Alake, Minister for Solid Minerals Development, charges participants in the capacity enhancement programme for Nigerian mining professionals at Murdoch University, in Australia, to be worthy ambassadors, leveraging the training to enhance the country鈥檚 technical capabilities and contribute to evidence-based policy design and implementation

Gbenga Kayode | 绿帽献妻

The Federal Government has officially launched a capacity enhancement programme for the first batch of Nigerian mining professionals at Murdoch University, in Australia.

Dr. Dele Alake, Honourable Minister for Solid Minerals Development, at the launch of the training programme, said the initiative is a key outcome of the Nigeria鈥揂ustralia collaboration with the support of the Commonwealth Government.

Alake stated the programme is aimed at addressing skill gaps in the mining sector and deepening bilateral ties between the two countries.

It is recalled that during the 2023 Africa Down Under (ADU) Conference in Perth, Australia, the Minister had entered into a bilateral agreement with the Government of Western Australia鈥攖hrough the Australian Ministry of Mines and Petroleum鈥攁nd Murdoch University to facilitate technical training, designed to strengthen the expertise of Nigerian mining professionals.

It is also noted that the collaboration with strong support from the Australian High Commission in Nigeria, has culminated in a two-week pilot training programme involving 11 Nigerian participants at Murdoch University.

The Ministry further highlighted the training programme covers a wide range of subjects, including extractive metallurgy, sustainable geochemistry, and mineral science research.

Besides, the government discloses the participants would embark on field trips and engage directly with industry experts to explore mining trends, investment opportunities, and sustainability challenges.

Segun Tomori, Special Assistant to the Minister on Media, Sunday, June 8, 2025, stated Dr. Alake, in his remarks at the launch, explained the programme represents the realisation of a vision conceived less than two years ago.

The Minister stated: 鈥淚 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.

He also noted that they have been a pillar of support throughout this process鈥攃onstantly engaging, travelling back and forth and ensuring this vision comes to life.

“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,鈥� said Alake.

The statement noted Alake charged the participants to be worthy ambassadors of Nigeria and to leverage the training to enhance the country鈥檚 technical capabilities and contribute to evidence-based policy design and implementation.

He equally said: 鈥淟et this moment mark the beginning of a transformative journey鈥攏ot 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.”

The Nigerian Government said Prof. Andrew Deeks, Vice-Chancellor of Murdoch University, while welcoming the Nigerian delegation to the institution of learning, highlighted the importance of capacity building in the global resources sector.

Prof. Deeks stressed the exchange programme between Nigeria and Australia aligns with the University鈥檚 mission.

According to him, the University’s mission is to promote ethical, sustainable, and inclusive engagement across continents through impactful education and research.

Tomori, the Minister’s media aide noted the Vice-Chancellor said: 鈥淭he support of the Commonwealth Government underscores the importance of our nations coming together to share knowledge for the mutual benefit of our societies.鈥�

Likewise, Hon. David Michael, Western Australian Minister for Mines and Petroleum, welcomed the Nigerian delegation, and expressed strong support for the collaborative approach to resource development.

The statement added that during the course, the Australian Department of Energy, Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety would host the participants as part of a structured capacity-building engagement.

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