Nigeria’s Federal Executive Council has approved 11 new private universities and allocated N2.5 billion for satellite technology to monitor mining activities. This move aims to enhance the education sector and regulate illegal mining, tackling loss of mineral resources. Additionally, N1.9 billion was approved for an insurance policy to secure key aviation infrastructure, illustrating the government’s commitment to growth in education and resource management.
In a significant development, Nigeria’s Federal Executive Council (FEC) has approved the establishment of 11 new private universities. This initiative is part of efforts to broaden higher education and tackle challenges within the solid minerals sector. The approval reflects the government’s strategy to enhance educational access and address issues affecting mining regulation in Nigeria.
During the FEC meeting led by President Bola Tinubu, a budget of N2.5 billion was sanctioned for satellite technology aimed at monitoring and regulating nationwide mining activities. Dele Alake, Minister for Solid Minerals, emphasized that this technology will help combat illegal mining operations and protect natural resources, targeting unregistered sites that cause significant damage.
Alake noted the severe economic losses Nigeria faces due to unregulated mining, stating, “We’ve lost trillions of naira to illegal exploitation of our solid minerals, and this technology will help prevent further devastation.” These advancements are crucial for preserving the nation’s mineral wealth and sustaining its environmental integrity.
Alake also addressed the interference by some state governments that have unlawfully shut down mining fields, asserting, “Though states own the land under the Land Use Act, minerals beneath those lands belong to the Federal Government.” This underscores the ongoing regulatory challenges in managing Nigeria’s mineral resources effectively.
The newly approved universities include: New City University in Ogun State, University of Fortune in Ondo State, Eranova University and Minaret University in Osun State, Abubakar Toyin University in Kwara State, Southern Atlantic University in Akwa Ibom State, Lens University in Kwara State, Monarch University in Ogun State, Tonnie Iredia University of Communication in Benin City, Isaac Balami University in Lagos, and Kevin Eze University in Enugu State. This expansion endeavors to enrich Nigeria’s educational framework and provide improved access to students.
Additionally, the FEC has allocated N1.9 billion for an insurance policy that will protect vital government infrastructure in the aviation sector. Festus Keyamo, Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Management, stated this coverage aims to secure airports and enhance the resilience of aviation assets.
These initiatives highlight the government’s commitment to bolstering Nigeria’s educational framework, improving its management of natural resources, and safeguarding critical infrastructure for future growth.
The FEC’s recent approvals signify a proactive approach to enhancing Nigeria’s educational landscape by establishing new private universities while also addressing significant issues within the mining industry through satellite monitoring. With funding allocated for both education and resource management, the government demonstrates its commitment to sustainable development and infrastructure protection. These strategic decisions are expected to have a long-term positive impact on the country’s socio-economic framework.
Original Source: www.tv360nigeria.com
