Nigerian government, Australian University partner to train Nigerian mining professionals

The Federal Nigerian government and the University of Murdoch, Australia, have launched a capacity building program for the first batch of Nigerian mining professionals.

This development was announced by Dele Alake, Minister of Mineral Solid, in a post on his official X platform on Sunday, June 8, 2025.

“We have officially launched a training program for Nigerian mining professionals at Murdoch University in Australia, a project that we began to form less than two years ago.

“With the support of the Australian government and the Australian High Commission in Nigeria, this initiative helps us close the skills gap in our mining sector. Eleven Nigeria is now undergoing intensive technical training, which includes fields such as extractive metallurgy and sustainable geochemicals, and are directly involved with industrial experts.

“This partnership with one of the world’s top mining countries is a big step for Nigeria. I thank the Ball President Ahmed Tinubu for his unrodged support, and to the Australian High Commissioner to Nigeria, he Leilani Bin-juda for his tireless commitment.

“For our participants, represent Nigeria well. Use this opportunity to deepen your expertise and help us build a truly mining sector that serves our people. This is just the beginning,” he wrote.

Previously, a spokesman for the Minister, Segun Tomori, described the initiative as the main result of the collaboration of Nigeria-Australia, which was supported by the Commonwealth Government.

Tomori said the program aims to overcome the skills gap in the mining sector and strengthen bilateral bonds between Nigeria and Australia.

“This initiative came from a bilateral agreement signed by Alake during the 2023 African Down Under (Adu) conference in Perth, Australia,” he said.

“The agreement was included with the Western Australian government – through the Australian Ministry of Mining and Oil – and Murdoch University, trying to facilitate technical training for Nigerian mining professionals.”

“This training includes various subjects, including extractive metallurgy, sustainable geochemistry, and mineral science research,” the statement reads.

“Participants will also start a field visit and be directly involved with industrial experts to explore mining trends, investment opportunities, and sustainability challenges.”

By: Babajide Okeowo