By Martha Agas
The Nigerian Geological Survey Agency (NGSA) on Monday started a post-National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) programme for geoscience graduates to equip them with sensible information and related industrial abilities.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) studies that 13 graduates from the six geopolitical zones have been chosen by means of an internet software course of from about 500 candidates for a one-month intensive geosciences coaching programme.
Speaking on the inauguration on Monday in Abuja, the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr Dele Alake, described the programme as an funding in professionals shaping Nigeria’s strong minerals sector.
Represented by the ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Mr Faruk Yabo, he stated Nigeria’s mineral potential may translate into nationwide prosperity solely when supported by competent professionals, dependable geological data, accountable funding and fashionable know-how.
He stated the NGSA, as Nigeria’s foremost geoscience establishment, performed a strategic position in supporting mineral exploration, funding choices and coverage formulation, whereas constructing technical capability for sustainable mineral growth.
He acknowledged that Nigeria was endowed with commercially vital minerals, together with gold, lithium, iron ore, barite and limestone, in addition to crucial and strategic minerals in excessive demand globally.
According to him, these sources supplied immense alternatives for financial diversification, industrialisation, job creation and elevated income.
“Under the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu and the Ministry’s seven Point Agenda, we’re dedicated to constructing a sector that draws credible investments.
‘Promotes local value addition and contributes meaningfully to national development,” he said.
The minister urged participants to see the programme as a bridge between academic knowledge and professional practice and commit to acquiring practical skills and applying their knowledge to address challenges in the geosciences sector.
“Approach it with discipline, with curiosity and a willingness to learn, make the most out of your facilitators and mentors and pay particular attention to practical competence in geological mapping.
“Mineral exploration,and evaluation, geophysical and geochemical investigation, remote sensing, GIS, laboratory analysis, digital technology, data management and environmental sustainability.
“Do not see this training merely as an opportunity to earn yet another certificate but as the beginning of a professional journey in your careers,” he said.
He said the mining value chain offered opportunities beyond conventional employment, including entrepreneurship and innovation in geological data studies, mineral testing, exploration support services, mineral processing, environmental consultancy and mining technology.
Alake said the training provided the first cohort with an opportunity to become not only professionals but also innovators and employers of labour.
He, however, said their conduct and performance would help determine the programme’s future, urging them to differentiate themselves by means of excellence, dedication and measurable contributions, and function worthy ambassadors of NGSA and the nation.
The Minister urged the NGSA to increase the programme to accommodate extra beneficiaries and maintain the initiative by means of constructing partnerships with universities, analysis establishments, skilled our bodies and personal sector operators.
Earlier, the Director-General of NGSA, Prof. OluSegun Ige, stated the initiative was designed to strengthen members’ skilled competence and employability.
Ige stated that in spite the company’s funding constraints, it was decided to equip younger scientists with sensible abilities to bridge the hole between principle and business apply.
He stated the calls for of the fashionable office required sensible expertise, technical proficiency, digital competence and the power to translate theoretical information into sensible options.
He urged to make one of the best use of the experience of the facilitators and domesticate skilled relationships that can assist their profession growth.
“I expect you (participants) to emerge from this training as a better equipped professional, innovative thinker, and potential driver of growth across the mineral exploration, evaluation development and value addition,” he stated.
He stated the company was decided to proceed offering a platform for growing expert Nigerian graduates who would contribute to the expansion, competitiveness and world development of the strong minerals sector.
Representing the members, Nana Yakubu thanked the company for the chance to be among the many pioneers of the programme, assuring that the initiative would additional put together them for his or her future careers as geoscientists.
NAN report that the coaching covers varied points of geosciences, together with geophysics, geological mapping, geophysical investigation, hydro-engineering geology, mineral exploration and laboratory evaluation, amongst different areas, with sensible subject visits.(NAN)
Edited by Peter Amine
