The Vice-Chancellor of Nasarawa State University, Keffi (NSUK), Professor Sa’adatu Hassan Liman, has reaffirmed the institution’s commitment to strengthening global partnerships aimed at advancing innovation, sustainable mining and technology-driven development across Africa.
Professor Liman pledged while receiving a delegation from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), led by the Assistant Secretary-General, Director of the UNDP Africa Bureau and Special Adviser to the UN Secretary-General on African Affairs, Madam Ahunna Eziakonwa, during a visit to the university.
The visit focused on the University’s Mine-Tech Unipod, an innovation hub established with UNDP support to promote sustainable mining practices, technological innovation and entrepreneurship.
Speaking during the meeting, the Vice-Chancellor commended the UNDP Resident Representative in Nigeria, Madam Elsie G. Attafuah, for the agency’s continued support towards the establishment and growth of the Mine-Tech Unipod.
She also praised the Director of the Centre, Dr. Aisha Abubakar Kana, and her team for their efforts in building what she described as a world-class innovation ecosystem within the university.
Professor Liman said the Mine-Tech Unipod represents the University’s vision of harnessing research, innovation and technology to promote environmentally responsible exploitation of Africa’s mineral resources.
According to her, sustainable development on the continent depends on integrating education, technology and effective resource management.
She explained that the Centre is developing environmentally friendly technologies that reduce the ecological impact of mining activities while equipping young Africans with the skills required to drive innovation in the sector.
The Vice-Chancellor added that the facility is also producing research capable of supporting evidence-based policies for safer, smarter and more inclusive mining practices across Africa.
She reaffirmed the University’s commitment to expanding collaboration with the UNDP and other international development partners through increased investment in research, innovation and capacity building.
Speaking earlier, Madam Eziakonwa said the delegation visited the university to assess the Mine-Tech Unipod facilities and reaffirm the UNDP’s commitment to supporting the Pan-African Mine-Tech Unipod initiative.
She commended the university management for the progress recorded at the innovation hub, describing it as a platform that promotes collaboration among government, academia and industry.
According to her, the initiative will help accelerate Africa’s transition from an extractive economy to a knowledge-based economy through innovation, technology transfer and value addition.
She reiterated the UNDP’s commitment to supporting the sustainable growth of Africa’s mining sector by fostering strategic partnerships that deliver lasting socio-economic benefits.
During the visit, members of the delegation toured the Mine-Tech Unipod laboratories, innovation spaces and ongoing research projects, where the Centre’s Director, Dr. Kana, showcased its growing capacity to develop technological solutions for the mining industry.
The visit ended with the presentation of commemorative souvenirs to the UNDP delegation and a group photograph, marking another milestone in NSUK’s efforts to strengthen its international partnerships and expand its global profile.
