FG launches Mine-Tech UniPod to drive mining industrialisation at NSUK
By Uji A Iliyasu Abuja
Nigeria’s drive to reposition universities as engines of industrial growth gained momentum on Friday with the launch of the Mine-Tech University Innovation Pod (Mine-Tech UniPod) at Nasarawa State University, Keffi (NSUK).
Speaking at the unveiling, Vice President Kashim Shettima said the initiative would strengthen the link between education, research, enterprise and industrialisation.
Represented by the Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa, the Vice President said the project aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda on human capital development, innovation and youth empowerment.
Shettima noted that although Nigeria possesses over 44 commercially viable minerals valued at more than $1 trillion, the sector has yet to reach its economic potential, adding that the government was shifting focus from exporting raw minerals to promoting value addition, industrial processing and innovation-driven growth.
He further stated that the global demand for critical minerals used in electric vehicles, renewable energy systems and advanced manufacturing presents huge opportunities for Nigeria, particularly Nasarawa State with its rich lithium, tantalite, gemstone and lead-zinc deposits. He explained that the Mine-Tech UniPod would provide a collaborative platform for students, researchers, investors and mining professionals to develop practical solutions for the country’s mineral economy.
The Vice President added that the Federal Government was implementing the Nigeria Education Sector Renewal Initiative to strengthen STEMM education, Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), digital literacy, research commercialisation and university-industry partnerships. He disclosed that about 160,000 youths are currently undergoing training in nearly 1,200 TVET centres nationwide, with plans to train another 100,000 youths in the coming months.
He further revealed that seven UniPods focusing on Artificial Intelligence, Agriculture, Manufacturing and Trade, Industrial Technology, Resilience Technology, Green and Blue Technology, and Mine-Tech Innovation had already been established across the country.
The Mine-Tech UniPod, powered by UNDP Nigeria, and supported by Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund ) features specialised laboratories, prototyping spaces and a technology transfer office. Its facilities include a Mineral Intelligence Laboratory, Materials and Processing Laboratory, Geo-Spatial Innovation Studio, and Green Mining and ESG Technology Hub.
Governor Abdullahi Sule described the project as a timely intervention that would position Nasarawa as a hub for mining innovation. He pledged to provide a solar mini-grid for uninterrupted power supply and urged investors and development partners to support the emerging innovation ecosystem.
Also speaking, TETFund Chief, Sonny Echono announced plans to establish 20 additional UniPods nationwide before the end of the year.
Minister of Mines, Dele Alake, hailed the initiative as a game changer for Nigeria’s mining and industrial sectors.