NSUK, MacArthur Foundation and UNDP Explore Partnerships to Boost Solid Minerals Development

Nasarawa State University, Keffi (NSUK), has hosted a delegation from the MacArthur Foundation and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) at its Mine-Tech UniPod to assess the facility’s progress and explore opportunities for advancing research, skills development and industrial growth in Nigeria’s solid minerals sector.

The visit, which took place on Thursday, October 15, 2026, focused on the UniPod’s achievements, operational activities and potential to translate academic research into practical solutions for the solid minerals industry.

Speaking on behalf of the delegation, Dr. Kole Ahmed Shettima, Director of the Nigeria Country Office of the MacArthur Foundation, commended the university management for its commitment to sustainable development and youth empowerment through practical learning and research-driven initiatives.

Shettima explained that the assessment would provide insights into how the Mine-Tech UniPod is addressing challenges within the solid minerals sector. He also praised NSUK for creating an environment where academic knowledge can be applied to real-world problems and contribute to socioeconomic development.

Responding on behalf of the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Sa’adatu Hassan Liman, the Acting Vice-Chancellor, Professor Makwin Danladi Makut, highlighted the university’s academic expertise and research infrastructure as essential foundations for the success of the Mine-Tech UniPod initiative.

He identified the Department of Geology and Mining, the Institute of Geosciences and Earth Resources, and the Materials Development Institute as key institutional assets supporting the initiative.

Makut also highlighted Nasarawa State’s considerable mineral wealth, including lithium, gold and rare earth elements, noting that these resources present opportunities for local processing, job creation and economic diversification.

According to him, the Mine-Tech UniPod was established to promote technology-driven solutions, entrepreneurship and community engagement, with the broader objective of strengthening Nigeria’s solid minerals value chain.

He further noted that partnerships with development institutions such as the MacArthur Foundation and UNDP could create more opportunities for young people, promote accountability and support the development of a more productive and sustainable minerals industry.

The engagement highlighted the importance of collaboration among universities, development partners and industry stakeholders in building local expertise, expanding commercial opportunities and harnessing Nigeria’s mineral resources for sustainable economic growth.

The visit concluded with a group photograph involving members of the delegation and university representatives.