….OAU applies for license to conduct legal exploration activities, research on quality of mineral resources
Oredola Adeola
Following the concerns raised by management and students of Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile Ife, Osun State regarding ongoing mining activities with the University and the premises of the OAU Teaching Hospital, Dr. Dele Alake, Minister of Solid Minerals, has ordered an immediate ban on all mining activities within until the final investigation is concluded within the next 48 hours.
Dr. Dele Alake, Minister of Solid Minerals, made this known on Tuesday, when he received the delegation from the University led by the VC, Professor Adebayo Banire and Prof. John Okeniy Chief Medical Director of OAUTHC.
The Minister in his response to the concerns about ongoing mining activities within and around the campus by stating that a team of officials was promptly dispatched to investigate the situation.
He stated, ‘These concerns regarding ongoing mining activities within and around the campus has caused some furor.
“We immediately set up a task force to authenticate the claims by the University, ” Dr Alake said.
The Minister further revealed that a delegation from the Mines Inspectorate and Geological Survey Agency (NGSA) had been sent to the University and conducted an on-the-spot assessment of the premises.
The reports according to the Minister confirmed that there were some illegal activities around the premises of the University.
Dr. Alake further stated, “We are already investigating to ascertain whether they were legal or illegal around the university premises to determine the veracity.
“The preliminary findings showed that some people were involved in illegal activities at the site, while others presented certificates of licenses and letters of consent which the Ministry is currently authenticating,” Dr Alake said.
The Minister also stated that he had invited the authorities of the university to a discussion, and a lot of facts came out of the meeting.
Dr. Alake therefore invited the university management to collaborate in verifying the claims.
While investigations are ongoing, the minister has imposed a ban on all mining activities within and around the campus until further resolutions are reached.
Comrade Segun Elvis, President of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), Senate, OAU Chapter, has expressed concerns over ongoing mining activities within and around the Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) campus and the OAU Teaching Hospitals Complex in Ile-Ife, Osun.
Elvis stated that the activities pose a significant threat to the safety and well-being of the institution’s students and staff.
Professor Bamire, the Vice-Chancellor of OAU, stated that the university has some of the best geologists and mining professionals in the country, who are capable of handling exploration, research, and other activities of the mining value chain.
He expressed the university’s intention to set up an excellent research and training facility on mineral resources within the university to support the university community, the state, and contribute to the development of the mining sector.
According to him, OAU has applied for an exploration license, which if approved, will enable it to carry out legal activities such as exploration and research on the distribution and quality of mineral resources.
