Nasarawa State University Signs Partnership Pact With UNDP

In a strategic move to place the University as a key player in the solid minerals sub sector, the Nasarawa State University, Keffi, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the United Nations Development Program UNDP for the establishment of a Mining Unipod in the University.

Speaking at the event which took place at the UNDP Office in the UN House in Abuja on Tuesday 25th March 2025, the United Nations Develpoment Program, Resident Representative Ms. Elsie Gyekyewaa Attafuah while appreciating NSUK for the partnership stated that with Nasarawa State as the home of solid minerals, it was just natural to establish the facility in the University taking into consideration the vast human and intellectual resources in the University.

Ms. Attafuah added that the choice of locating the Unipod in Nasarawa State University, Keffi, will add value to the budding mining activities in the State which is known as the home of solid minerals, additionally the facility in will also go beyond just creating a lab, but it will be a platform where value and wealth are created and also a space for thought leadership.

Responding, the Vice-Chancellor of Nasarawa State University, Keffi, Professor Sa'adatu Hassan Liman said that the establishment of the Unipod Centre aligns with her vision of skill acquisition that will enable students to be self reliant and be employers of labour thereby changing the narrative where graduates rely on Government for non existent white collar jobs. She assured that the facility will be put into proper use and it will be model for other institutions to emulate.

The highlight of the event was the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding between the two executives for their organisations.

The proposed Mining UniPod will address gaps in the Mining and minerals value chain in the state and region at large. The gaps in the Mining Value change are associated wit research and development activities particularly bankable data on mineral resources availability, grade and best/sustainable Mining practices.

On the Vice-Chancellor's delegation were the Deputy Vice-Chancellor Academic, Professor Abdullahi Sallau Modibbo,  the Ag. Director UNDP Unipods, Dr. Aisha Kana, the Deputy Director, UNDP UniPod, Dr. Vincent Paul, the Director of Linkages and International Cooperation, Dr. K'tso Nghargbu, the Director, Institute of Geosciences, Professor Nathaniel Goki amongst other management staff who were on the entourage.