Mining Activities Suspended In OAU After Reports Of Illegal Operations

The Federal Government has taken decisive action to suspend all mining activities within the premises of Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) and the OAU Teaching Hospitals Complex in Ile-Ife, Osun State. This move comes in response to mounting concerns over suspected illegal mining operations in the area.

The announcement of the indefinite suspension was made by the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr Dele Alake, following a meeting with the management of OAU led by the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Adebayo Bamire, in Abuja on Tuesday.

The decision to suspend mining activities comes after calls for investigations from various student bodies, including the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) and the National Association of University Students, OAU chapter. These groups raised alarm over the potential threats posed by illegal mining to the safety and well-being of students and staff within the institution.

Segun Elvis, the President of the NANS Senate, highlighted the urgent need for action to address the reported illegal mining activities, citing concerns for the security and welfare of the university community. Similarly, the OAU chapter of the National Association of University Students condemned the situation and urged relevant authorities to intervene promptly.

In response to this, the school management formally submitted a complaint to government authorities, prompting the Ministry of Solid Minerals Development to initiate investigations into the matter.