Nasarawa Varsity, Agency Sign Pact On Research, Solid Minerals Growth

Nasarawa State University, Keffi and the Nigeria Geological Survey Agency (NGSA) have taken a major step towards strengthening research and institutional development with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU).

The development followed a courtesy visit by a delegation from NGSA to the vice-chancellor of the university, Professor Sa’adatu Hassan Liman, in line with the institution’s drive to build strategic partnerships to enhance academic excellence and global competitiveness.

Speaking during the visit, the director-general of NGSA, Professor Olusegun Omoniyi Ige, described the partnership as timely and strategic, noting that it aligned with the agency’s mandate of mineral exploration for national development. He expressed appreciation for the warm reception accorded the delegation and described NSUK as a reputable citadel of learning and a place he considers home.

Professor Ige said the collaboration was particularly significant given Nasarawa State’s status as “Home of Solid Minerals” adding that the MoU would provide a framework for strengthening research, teaching and learning, as well as facilitating exchange of ideas, technical expertise and professional support between the two institutions.

He emphasised that sustained collaboration, beyond the signing of an MoU remained critical for institutions seeking global relevance, describing the partnership as mutually beneficial.

Responding, Professor Liman welcomed the NGSA delegation and expressed appreciation for the opportunity to collaborate with the agency. She noted that the partnership would open new frontiers in exploration and resource utilisation capable of advancing the university, Nasarawa State and Nigeria as a whole.

The vice-chancellor commended the director-general’s commitment to research and academic development, adding that the collaboration would also extend to areas such as agriculture, mining innovation and the development of practical solutions within the solid minerals sector.

She described the partnership as a bold and symbolic step towards strengthening research capacity and contributing meaningfully to national development.

The visit culminated in the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding by the leadership of both institutions. Highlights of the event included the presentation of an official letter appointing Professor Ige as a pro bono lecturer at NSUK, as well as group photographs to mark the historic partnership.