News

Why Nigeria Needs University Of Mining And Geosciences – Senator

Published

3 years ago

August 1, 2023

Editor

A bill in the National Assembly which seeks the upgrade of the Nigerian Institute of Mining and Geosciences (NIMG), Jos, to the status of a Federal University of Mining and Geosciences has passed the first reading.

Senator Diket Plang, representing Plateau Central who sponsored the bill says making the Institute a University would position the nation’s mining sector and ensure the diversification of Nigeria’s economy, deepen research on mineral exploration, exploitation and instill knowledge of many facets of mining resource management, including geosciences and engineering in citizens.

Plang who spoke in Jos noted that the conversion of NIMG to the status of a University is long overdue as many contemporary institutions established by the colonial masters, like the one in Ghana and India, have since been upgraded to the status of a University and added that having a University of Mining and Geosciences like other specialized Universities such as University of Agriculture, Petroleum University, the University of Education, the Marine University, and the University of Medical Sciences would be of benefits to the country.

He stated that the School of Mining in Ghana which is a twin brother to that of Jos, Nigeria is now the Ghana University of Mining and Technology, while that in Jos was just upgraded to an Institute in 2018.

His words, “It is like other specialized universities: we have such as the University of Agriculture to boost food production, the University of Transportation, the University of Education, and also the Army University, Airforce University because of the importance of Defense.

“But we don’t have a University that has to do with mineralogical research despite the abundance of Mineral resources in the country.

“Minerals and Technology go together; it will be bad for us not to study what God has given to us. If you are not taking advantage of what you are endowed with, you must be making a mistake.

” Therefore, we must deepen our knowledge and research into what God has given us; we would, at the end of the day, cheat ourselves if we don’t do this. That is why all sorts of foreign miners come to mine on our land with little knowledge.

“Nigeria needs a University of Mining and Geosciences, and already we have an Institute running diploma courses in this aspect with about three campuses with functional laboratories.
All that is required at the moment is to upgrade this Institute to a degree-awarding institution.

“The idea of the bill for the conversion of NIMG to the University of Mining and Geo-Sciences, Jos was conceived on this basis, coupled with the fact that Nigeria is blessed with abundant mineral resources.

“Most of the developed countries have Universities of Mining; so Nigeria cannot be an exception.”

News

Transfer: Premier League Clubs Scramble For Dele-Bashiru

Published

3 hours ago

May 6, 2026

Editor

Lazio midfielder, Fisayo Dele-Bashiru is a subject of interest from three Premier League clubs, according to Sky Sports.

Lazio reportedly rejected offers from Nottingham Forest and Bournemouth for the Nigeria international in January.

La Biancolesti are bracing for more interest in Dele-Bashiru ahead of the summer transfer window, according to Sky Sports.

The 24-year-old has two years left on his contract with the Serie A club.

The attacking midfielder joined the Rome-based club from Turkish Super Lig outfit Hatayspor in 2024.

He has been a regular feature for Lazio this season.

News

Xenophobic Attacks: Nigerian Students To Picket MTN, MultiChoice, Other Businesses

Published

3 hours ago

May 6, 2026

Editor

The leadership of the National Association of Nigerian Students, NANS South-West Zone D, has announced plans to picket South African companies in Nigeria following the ongoing xenophobic attacks in the country.

DAILY POST reports that some Nigerians were recently killed in South Africa over the violent attacks.

A statement issued to newsmen by Comrade Adeyemo Josiah Kayode, Coordinator, NANS South-West, Zone D, said that the association is mobilizing to take decisive and lawful action by organizing peaceful picketing and mass advocacy against South African business interests operating in Nigeria.

“We categorically state that the continued targeting of Nigerians under any guise is unacceptable and must come to an immediate end.

“This will include major corporations such as MTN Group and MultiChoice Group. It is morally indefensible for businesses to thrive in an environment where the lives of Nigerians are protected, while Nigerians are subjected to fear and violence elsewhere.

“This contradiction will no longer be tolerated,” the statement said.

News

N5m, N10m Zero-interest Loans: SheVentures Opens Applications For Women Entrepreneurs

Published

6 hours ago

May 6, 2026

Editor

First City Monument Bank (FCMB) has opened a new round of applications for its SheVentures proposition, offering zero-interest loans of up to ₦10 million to women entrepreneurs to ease access to working capital and support business growth.

The facility provides loans ranging from ₦500,000 to ₦5 million under a general category, and ₦5 million to ₦10 million for sector-specific businesses, with funding capped at up to 50% of an applicant’s average monthly turnover.

At the centre of the offering is a 0% interest rate, with all charges embedded in a transparent structure.

Repayment is structured over four or six months, allowing businesses to match obligations with their cash flow cycles.

Yemisi Edun, Managing Director and Chief Executive of First City Monument Bank (FCMB), said the initiative reflects a deliberate approach to inclusive growth.

“Inclusive growth requires access to capital and the right conditions for businesses to deploy that capital effectively.

“Women-led enterprises are critical to economic activity, yet they face structural barriers.

This intervention aims to help close that gap by providing financing that supports job creation, business expansion, and long-term sustainability for women entrepreneurs.”

“Access to affordable finance remains a major constraint for women entrepreneurs,” said Nnenna Jacob-Ogogo, Group Head, SheVentures and Impact Segments at First City Monument Bank (FCMB).

“By removing the cost barrier and offering quick, flexible funding, this zero-interest loan is designed to safeguard existing jobs, enable businesses to invest in growth initiatives, and foster resilience in challenging economic conditions.”

Women-owned businesses account for a significant share of Nigeria’s small and medium-sized enterprises but continue to face high borrowing costs and limited access to credit.

Through these efforts, SheVentures tackles persistent financing gaps facing women-led businesses, combining targeted funding with broader support to empower women entrepreneurs, encourage business innovation, and enhance their ability to compete on a national scale.

Applications for the zero-interest loan are now open.Apply now.