Lawmaker Proposes Bill To Establish Mines And Solid Mineral Dev’t Varsity

The Senator representing Plateau Central in the National Assembly, Diket Plang has proposed a bill for the upgrade of School of Mines, Jos, to Nigerian University of Mines and Solid Mineral Development.

Senator Plang made the disclosure while speaking to newsmen in Jos, the Plateau State capital.

The lawmaker said the proposal was an economic and developmental bill that seek to deepen the knowledge of Nigerians in Geology, Mineral Resources and Development.

“We have the University of Petroleum, because we have petrol; we have Maritime University because we have waterways.We also have University of Agriculture because we have lands for agriculture. But we are unable to have the university of mines and solid mineral development even when the country is naturally endowed with so many mineral resources unharnessed,” Plang said.

He explained that when established, the University will deepen the country’s knowledge in mineral exploration technology.

The Chairman Senate Committee on Labour, Employment and Productivity also assured the people of his zone that the 10th Senate is focused, stable and people oriented, adding that as lawmakers, they are poised and willing to work with the executive for the benefit of Nigerians.

Senator Plang further assured that very soon, he will flag off the distribution of palliative to his constituents to cushion the effect of the current economic hardship in them.

The palliatives, he said will include 600 bags of maize, 150 bags of beans, and 300 bags of guinea corn, among others.

He added that the grains were bought for distribution from farmers across the Central Zone with the view to also empower the farmers and also encourage local content.