Hosting a delegation from Yakubu Gowon University, Abuja, led by Professor Adesoji Adesugba, the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr Dele Alake has praised the newly inaugurated Department of Gemmology and Gemstones. Describing the department as a vital hub for knowledge and skill development for professionals in the gemstone and jewellery-making industries. He stressed that the department is not merely an academic addition but a strategic asset that will drive innovation and enhance Nigeria’s standing in the global gemstone market.
“The university’s initiative is a commendable leap forward,” Dr Alake remarked. “By building a strong talent pool, we are laying the foundation for long-term development and innovation in mining. This department will catalyse economic growth and modernise the sector.”
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This innovative initiative marks a significant milestone as the first of its kind in Africa, aligning with Nigeria’s broader vision to strengthen its mining sector through capacity building and educational excellence.
Landmark Achievement in Africa’s Mining Education
According to Segun Tomori, the Minister’s Special Assistant on Media, Dr Alake hailed the establishment of Africa’s first formal academic curriculum in gemmology as a landmark moment for the industry. This pioneering educational framework is set to produce a new generation of highly skilled professionals—geologists, gemmologists, jewellery designers and entrepreneurs—who will propel sectoral growth and diversification.
The initiative seeks to address a critical gap in Nigeria’s mining ecosystem by nurturing local expertise in gemstone valuation, cutting, jewellery craftsmanship and related disciplines. These capacity-building efforts are essential for shifting Nigeria from a predominantly extractive economy to one that adds value across the mineral value chain.
Strengthening Industry and Securing Strategic Partnerships
Professor Adesugba commended the Minister’s ongoing reforms in Nigeria’s solid minerals sector, noting that they have significantly repositioned the industry for sustainable growth. He urged the Ministry to support the university’s efforts to secure formal affiliation with the Gemological Institute of Nigeria, which would further enhance the department’s stature and ensure international standards in training and certification.
He pledged the department’s full commitment to advancing the Ministry’s objectives, particularly in boosting Nigeria’s contribution to GDP through the mining and gemstone industries. A partnership with the Gemological Institute would equip students with globally recognised qualifications and facilitate smoother integration into the industry.
A Call for Broader Investment and Institutional Support
In response, Dr Alake expressed strong support for the proposed affiliation and encouraged other academic institutions across Nigeria to follow Yakubu Gowon University’s lead by integrating mining-focused disciplines into their curricula. He underscored the importance of investing in homegrown expertise, stating that local capacity building is essential for Nigeria’s economic resilience and global competitiveness.
“To build local capacity, we must invest in training at home,” he stated. “Your department is crucial in that regard, especially in gemmology and jewellery production. We are also working towards establishing full-fledged universities of mining, and your input will be invaluable.”
A Collective Effort Towards Sustainable Mining Development
This collaborative effort highlights a national commitment to transforming Nigeria’s mineral resources sector into a hub of innovation, knowledge and sustainable development.
Nigeria’s establishment of Africa’s first Department of Gemmology and Gemstones at Yakubu Gowon University stands as a visionary step in advancing the mining industry through education and skill development. With strong government backing and strategic partnerships, the initiative aims to unlock the country’s gemstone potential, generate skilled employment, and contribute significantly to national economic diversification. As other institutions are encouraged to adopt similar models, Nigeria is poised to emerge as a key player in the global gemstone and mining landscape.
