Nigeria Approves New Private Universities and Satellite Monitoring for Mining

The Federal Executive Council (FEC) has approved 11 new private universities in Nigeria and allocated N2.5 billion for satellite technology to monitor mining activities. Minister Dele Alake emphasized the need for satellite monitoring to combat illegal mining, while Minister Festus Keyamo detailed a N1.9 billion insurance policy for critical aviation infrastructure.

In a pivotal decision, the Federal Executive Council (FEC) has approved the establishment of 11 new private universities in Nigeria, a move aimed at enhancing the nation’s higher education landscape. This initiative occurs alongside the allocation of N2.5 billion for satellite technology aimed at regulating and monitoring mining activities across the country.

The meeting, chaired by President Bola Tinubu, focused on addressing significant challenges within the solid minerals sector. Dele Alake, Minister for Solid Minerals, emphasized the importance of the new satellite equipment in combating illegal mining practices, which have severely impacted Nigeria’s natural wealth.

Alake highlighted the staggering losses, stating, “We’ve lost trillions of naira to illegal exploitation of our solid minerals, and this technology will help prevent further devastation.” He also noted the complications arising from certain states that have unlawfully halted mining activities, stressing that while states own the land, the underlying minerals are under federal jurisdiction.

The approved universities span diverse states and include:
– New City University in Ayetoro, Ogun State
– University of Fortune in Igbotako, Ondo State
– Eranova University in Mabushi and Minaret University in Ikirun, Osun State
– Abubakar Toyin University in Oke-Agba, Kwara State
– Southern Atlantic University in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State
– Lens University in Ilemona, Kwara State
– Monarch University in Iyesi-Ota, Ogun State
– Tonnie Iredia University of Communication in Benin City
– Isaac Balami University of Aeronautics and Management in Lagos
– Kevin Eze University in Mgbowo, Enugu State

This significant expansion in the private university sector aims to broaden educational opportunities for students and foster growth across various academic disciplines. Furthermore, FEC has approved N1.9 billion for an insurance policy to protect critical government infrastructure, particularly within the aviation sector, ensuring continued security and operation of vital services, as explained by Minister Festus Keyamo.

These strategic decisions underscore the government’s commitment to fortifying Nigeria’s education system, improving natural resource management, and maintaining vital infrastructure for future stability and growth.

The approvals by the Federal Executive Council reflect essential steps taken to enhance Nigeria’s higher education and manage the solid minerals sector effectively. The establishment of new private universities aims to broaden educational access while the investment in satellite technology will help curb illegal mining. Additionally, the government’s commitment to safeguarding essential infrastructure through an insurance policy further signifies a holistic approach to national development.

Original Source: www.tv360nigeria.com