The Federal Executive Council (FEC) approved the establishment of 11 new private universities in Nigeria and allocated N2.5 billion for satellite monitoring of mining activities. The initiative aims to enhance the education sector and regulate illegal mining operations impacting natural resources. Furthermore, N1.9 billion was allocated for an insurance policy to protect aviation assets.
In a significant achievement, the Federal Executive Council (FEC) has approved the establishment of 11 new private universities in Nigeria, aiming to enhance the higher education sector. This meeting, chaired by President Bola Tinubu, also allocated N2.5 billion for satellite technology intended to monitor and regulate mining activities across the country.
Dele Alake, the Minister for Solid Minerals, emphasized that this satellite technology will be crucial in tracking illegal mining activities and unregistered mining sites, which have severely impacted Nigeria’s natural resources. He remarked on the necessity of addressing the extensive financial losses Nigeria has incurred due to unregulated mining, stating, “We’ve lost trillions of naira to illegal exploitation of our solid minerals, and this technology will help prevent further devastation.”
Alake further noted the complications introduced by some states that have unlawfully shut down mining fields, emphasizing that while states own the surface land, the minerals located beneath these lands belong to the Federal Government. This distinction is critical in the ongoing effort to maintain proper oversight and governance over Nigeria’s mineral resources.
In addition to the mining initiatives, the FEC has confirmed the establishment of the following private universities: New City University in Ayetoro (Ogun State), University of Fortune in Igbotako (Ondo State), Eranova University in Mabushi, Minaret University in Ikirun (Osun State), and several others across the country.
The approved institutions include Abubakar Toyin University in Oke-Agba (Kwara State), Southern Atlantic University in Uyo (Akwa Ibom State), Lens University in Ilemona (Kwara State), Monarch University in Iyesi-Ota (Ogun State), Tonnie Iredia University of Communication in Benin City, Isaac Balami University of Aeronautics and Management in Lagos, and Kevin Eze University in Mgbowo (Enugu State). This expansion is envisioned to improve Nigeria’s educational landscape and provide greater academic opportunities.
Furthermore, the FEC has allocated N1.9 billion for an insurance policy to protect vital government infrastructure, particularly in the aviation sector. Festus Keyamo, the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Management, highlighted that this coverage would ensure the security and operational integrity of essential aviation assets such as airports.
These strategic initiatives underscore the government’s dedication to bolstering Nigeria’s education system, enhancing management of its natural resources, and securing crucial infrastructure.
The Federal Executive Council’s recent decisions signify a commitment to advancing Nigeria’s educational infrastructure and improving oversight of the mining sector. With the establishment of 11 new private universities and substantial investments in satellite technology for mining regulation, the government aims to foster growth and manage natural resources responsibly. Additionally, the provision of insurance for key aviation assets reflects a proactive approach in safeguarding Nigeria’s critical infrastructure.
Original Source: www.tv360nigeria.com
