TheCable

The federal government has announced an indefinite suspension of illegal mining in Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) and its teaching hospital, in Ile-Ife, Osun state.

Last month, a video of mining activities in some parts of the campus surfaced online.

Dele Alake, minister of solid minerals development, announced the suspension in a statement issued on Tuesday by Segun Tomori, his media aide.

Alake said the decision was reached after a meeting with Adebayo Bamire, the vice-chancellor of the university, and John Okeniyi, the chief medical director of the teaching hospital.

He said all mining activities are suspended until an investigation is completed.

“Following the outcry generated by reports of illegal mining or suspicion of nefarious activities by mining operators within OAU, we immediately deployed officials of the Nigeria Geological Survey Agency (NGSA) and Mines Inspectorate for on-the-spot assessment,” the statement reads.

“Preliminary reports that reached me indicated that there were indeed some activities around the premises. The ministry then stopped all activities, whether legal or illegal, for further investigations.

“We have had a very fruitful meeting, and a lot of facts have come out of it. Based on the outcome of the meeting, I announce the indefinite suspension, with immediate effect, of all mining activities within the premises of the University, the University teaching hospital and in fact around the area and boundaries of the university, until the conclusion of thorough investigations.”

On his part, the vice-chancellor said there is a need for a research and training facility on mining resources to be established within the university.

“We have some of the best geologists and mining professionals in the country. We feel that we need to set up a sort of excellent research and training facility on mineral resources within the university,” he said. 

“If we are able to get that in the university, it will help us, support the university community, the state, and ultimately contribute to the development of the mining sector.”