The federal government has indefinitely halt mining operations within the premises of Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) and the OAU Teaching Hospital complex in Ile-Ife, Osun.
This suspension comes amid suspicions of illegal mining activities in the area.
Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake, made the announcement following a meeting with OAU’s management, led by Vice-Chancellor Adebayo Bamire, in Abuja on Tuesday.
The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) had raised concerns over reports of illegal mining activities at OAU, citing risks to the safety of students and staff.
Segun Elvis, President of the NANS Senate, emphasized the gravity of the situation and urged thorough investigations.
Echoing these sentiments, the National Association of University Students, OAU chapter, condemned the activities and urged swift action from relevant authorities.
In response, OAU’s management formally lodged a complaint with government authorities, prompting a rapid deployment of officials from the Nigeria Geological Survey Agency (NGSA) and the Mines Inspectorate for on-site assessments and preliminary investigations.
“Preliminary reports that reached me indicated that there were indeed some activities around the premises. The ministry now orders stoppage of all legal or illegal activities for further investigation,“ the minister said.
Alake said he invited the school authorities to his office when the illegal operators, whom the deployed officials had summoned, presented some licenses and letters of consent regarding their activities.
He said the immediate suspension of the activities was necessary to enable the ministry to verify the authenticity of the documents.
The VC stated that OAU has some of the best geologists and mining professionals in the country, capable of handling exploration, research, and other activities of the mining value chain.