The University of Abuja is seeking the support of the Nigeria Export Processing Zones Authority (NEPZA) to turn the institution into a special economic zone.
The vice chancellor, University of Abuja, Prof. Abdul-Rasheed Na’Allah, who made the request yesterday during a visit to the Managing Director/Chief Executive of NEPZA, Prof. Adesoji Adesugba, said that will enable industry and production of mineral resources in the institution and give students hands-on experience on mining.
Na’Allah said that would in turn engender employment, make the institution self-reliant and put a stop to incessant strikes by lecturers in the institution.
“We have decided that our geology and mining department is not going to be that of the government but that of industry.
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“We want to float some industry and production so that as our students are learning to become geologists and mining specialists they will also have practical experience that is relevant. On our campus, we have a lot of minerals. This is an example we want to set in the university,” he said.
Responding, Adesugba emphasised the need for a business plan that would drive the process and guarantee its success.
He added that the special economic zone would provide the capacity needed to turn the natural resources in the university into wealth.
He said Abuja University could become one of the richest universities in the world.
“This is because it is a size property, the size of Victoria Island, 10 minutes to the airport and 25 minutes to Abuja.”
