The federal government has granted the Federal University of Technology, Minna, the licence to engage in mining activities.

Lydian Legbu made the disclosure in a statement made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Thursday.

According to the statement, the institution’s vice-chancellor, Musbau Akanji, received the reconnaissance permit and exploration licence issued by the Nigeria Mining Cadastral Office.

Akanji said at the event 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.

Shehu Ma’aji, the director, university ventures, described the development as a landmark achievement for the institution.

Head of geology department, 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.

NAN reports that 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.

Source: The Cable