Alake Urges OAU To Harness Mineral, Intellectual Resources For Revenue Generation

Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake, has urged the Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, to explore its mineral and intellectual resources to generate revenue and create opportunities for students and researchers.

Alake disclosed this in a statement via his X handle on Monday, September 7, 2026, after meeting with the Governing Council of the university led by Professor Ralph Akinfeleye.

The minister said the institution had significant resources both beneath its land and within its academic community that could be better harnessed through strategic partnerships with the private sector.

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“OAU has both the resources beneath its land and the expertise within its walls. With the right private-sector partnerships, these assets can generate revenue and create opportunities for students and researchers,” he said.

Alake said such partnerships could enable the university to convert its mineral and intellectual assets into sustainable economic opportunities.

He also encouraged the institution to strengthen its focus on research, innovation and practical solutions capable of contributing to economic development.

“I encouraged the University to deepen its work in research, innovation and practical solutions that create real economic value,” the minister said.

Alake reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to promoting responsible mining and increasing value addition in Nigeria’s solid minerals sector.

“We remain committed to supporting responsible mining and greater value addition across the sector,” he added.