The Federal University of Technology, Minna has been granted licence by the Federal Government to engage in mining activities.
In a statement issued by the Vice-Chancellor of the university, Prof. Musbau Akanji, the institution has received the Reconnaissance Permit and Exploration Licence issued by the Nigeria Mining Cadastral Office.
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Akanji said that the institution applied for the licence a year ago, to checkmate illegal mining on its land.
He said that the university would partner with investors in the sector, and commended the Department of Geology for its efforts in actualising the issuance of the licence.
The vice chancellor explained that the university would undertake environmental impact assessment before venturing into exploration.
He said that by diversifying into mining activities, the university would widen its revenue base and open up new vistas for academic development.
In his reaction, the Head of Geology Department, Dr Idris Abdullahi said that with the issuance of the licence, the university has the option of going into direct mining or bringing in other experts.
He explained that after feasibility studies, more areas owned by the university would be placed on mining lease, valid for 25 years.
The Reconnaissance Permit is valid for one year, while the Exploration Licence has three-year validity, renewable for two further periods of two years each.
The area covers 130 Cadastral Units and 26km2 in Bosso Local Government Area of Niger State. (NAN)
