By Israel Adamu, Jos
Senator Diket Plang, representing Plateau Central Senatorial District in the National Assembly, has shed light on his motivations for sponsoring a bill to establish the Federal University of Mining and Geo-Sciences in Jos, Plateau State. The bill recently passed its third reading in the Senate, marking a significant milestone toward its realization.
In an interview, Senator Plang described the proposed university as a long-standing dream aimed at harnessing Nigeria’s vast mineral resources for the nation’s benefit. He expressed concern over the exploitation of these resources by expatriates, leaving local communities and the country with little to show for their natural wealth.
Plang emphasized the importance of knowledge in the mining sector, stating, “When you have a mineral deposit and you don’t study it, don’t have the capacity to exploit it, or don’t know how to process it yourself, you’ll be cheated. You need to understand what you have, determine the reserve’s potential, and develop the skills to process and market it.”
He noted that similar motivations led Ghana to establish the University of Mines in Tarkwa, which has significantly advanced the country’s mining sector.
The Senator expressed frustration at how foreign entities often exploit Nigeria’s mineral resources by mining deposits in remote villages and exporting them for processing. According to him, establishing a mining university would equip Nigerians with the expertise needed to explore and manage their resources effectively.
Plang highlighted the historical context of mining education in Nigeria, recalling how colonial powers established mining schools in Jos to train locals for their activities. He argued that it is time for Nigeria to build on that foundation by creating a specialized university to serve the sector’s needs.
Senator Plang explained his choice of Jos as the proposed university’s location, citing the city’s existing infrastructure and resources. He noted that the National Institute of Mining and Geo-Sciences in Jos, which already offers postgraduate courses, has the facilities and staff to serve as a foundation for the university.
“The institute has a campus at Dong with a factory for processing and polishing jewels, a medical center, hostels, and classrooms,” he said. “It also has high-tech laboratories equipped with World Bank-sponsored equipment and serves as a hub for mineral testing. Transforming this institute into a full-fledged university would be cost-effective for the federal government.”
Plang also pointed out that the institute is already staffed by qualified academic and non-academic personnel, making the transition to a university more feasible.
The Senator expressed gratitude for the overwhelming support from stakeholders and fellow legislators, noting that the public hearing on the bill attracted a record turnout. As a first-time senator, he described the bill’s success as a significant achievement in his legislative career.
Looking ahead, Plang pledged to continue advocating for development in his constituency. His plans include attracting more federal institutions and agencies, empowering constituents, and improving local schools by installing solar-powered lighting and fencing.
The establishment of the Federal University of Mining and Geo-Sciences in Jos holds the potential to transform Nigeria’s mining sector by equipping citizens with the skills and knowledge needed to harness the country’s mineral wealth. With Senator Diket Plang’s unwavering commitment and legislative backing, this vision is closer than ever to becoming a reality.
