Events

Mining: Women bridge gender gap, inaugurates Girls for Mining in Plateau State

Published

4 years ago

November 19, 2022

vicky

To remedy the declining number of women in the mining sector, Women in Mining on Friday 18th November, inaugurated the Girls for Mining, G4M clubs for secondary school girls in Plateau State to mentor the young girls to show interest and possibly pursue a career in the sector.

Addressing the students at the event in Jos, the National President of Women in Mining, Engr. Janet Adeyemi through the Secretary, of Women in Mining, Plateau State, Mrs. Raulatu Piwuna said, “… we are creating landmark history. When our generation is no more, the G4M will remain, and thousands of you school girls who have become accomplished and high-profile women in mining by then, will look back at the fond memory of today and proudly say, I was there…

“70-80 percent of everything we use in our daily lives are products of mining, from the ceramic at your home to the gold and metals on your mobile phones, to the glass on your windscreen and bulbs, to even the stainless steel and alloy on your wristwatches and it goes…

“Nigeria is dependent on crude oil as its major source of wealth, however, the world does not want crude oil anymore. Now they want solar energy, hydropower, and other sources of power that are not oil. We are witnessing the gradual passing away of the oil and gas sector in the globe and when it finally fades out, Nigeria will be left with only two means of wealth creation- Mining and agriculture…”

She decried the gender gap in the sector, adding, “When I look at statistics, of all the mainstream miners in Nigeria today, only 6.8% are women, the remaining 94% are men. So, the women in the mining sector today are a drop out of the ocean, and the few women in the sector are being edged out of the game by gender-blind laws and by misogynists. So, the number of women in the sector will keep dropping. If we do nothing to pump female miners into the sector now, the women on the ground today will all be gone someday.

“The only way to meaningfully populate the mining sector with productive women is to begin to guide our girls from their school age, into a prosperous future in the mining sector… We unanimously accepted this sustainable initiative and resolved that G4M will be created in all states of Nigeria and Plateau is the very first state we are inaugurating this club.”

She explained, “All students in the G4M club will regularly participate in inter-school quizzes, and debates. Winners will be awarded in each competition. All students of the G4M will go for annual excursions to mining sites, tourist sites, natural resources regulatory agencies or other places of interest in line with the overall intent of the G4M.

“Each student of the G4M club will stand a chance to travel abroad for an exchange visit, to tour mine sites, meet fellow students abroad and meet with high-profile female miners for mentorship and opportunities. All students of the G4M club will have mentors who shall guide them through their secondary education. Any student of the G4M club who has decided to pursue a career in any mining-related courses will be assisted to secure admission to study that course at any tertiary institution of her choice in Nigeria.

“All students of the G4M club will have the opportunity to work with Women In Mining in Nigeria for a year Internship and Training…”

The State Commissioner of Secondary Education, Elizabeth Wapmuk represented by Assistant Director, of Science and Technology, Chung Sati lauded the initiative citing the vital role the mining sector plays in the development of the nation’s economy and assured the Ministry would work towards incorporating mining consciousness into the school curriculum and encouraged young girls to consider making a career in mining for the development of not just the State but the country.

Air Force Girls Military School, Jos; Federal Government College, Jos; COCIN Headquarters Church Secondary School, Jos; Government College, Jos; GSS, Chwel Nyap; Baptist High School, Jos; TCNN Staff School, Jos; Kings’ Secondary School; Jos; St. John’s College, Jos were among the participating schools.

Business

Plateau Strengthens Technical Education, Prepares NITT Centre for September Take-Off

Published

1 week ago

August 19, 2026

Preport

The Plateau State Government has taken a major step towards expanding access to specialised transport education and practical technical training with the handover of facilities at the Government Science Technical College, Bukuru, to the Nigerian Institute of Transport Technology (NITT), Zaria.

The facilities, comprising part of the college’s Mechanical Workshop, five classrooms and a residential quarter, will serve as the NITT Learning Centre and Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) Conversion Centre, providing students, technicians and professionals with opportunities to acquire practical skills in modern transportation technology, CNG conversion and logistics.

The Plateau State Government was represented at the handover ceremony by the Commissioner for Transport, Hon. Davou Gyang Jatau, who said the initiative reflects the administration’s commitment to strengthening technical education, skills development and the adoption of modern transportation technologies.

Jatau said the Mechanical Workshop would provide a practical environment for CNG conversion training, while the classrooms would support theoretical instruction, professional development and capacity-building programmes.

He added that the residential accommodation would improve the welfare of personnel and learners who would be associated with the centre.

The commissioner expressed confidence that NITT would make effective and sustainable use of the facilities to expand educational and technical opportunities for people in Plateau State.

“We are confident that NITT Zaria will make effective and sustainable use of these facilities for the benefit of Plateau State and Nigeria at large.”

Also speaking, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Transport, Mrs Jummai Shekarau, described the handover as an investment in technical education, innovation and human capital development, rather than simply the provision of infrastructure.

She said the CNG Conversion Centre would provide young people with practical skills that could improve their employability and enable them to take advantage of opportunities emerging in the CNG value chain.

According to her, the centre would also encourage entrepreneurship and job creation while supporting the transition from petrol and diesel to cleaner and more affordable energy alternatives.

The Registrar of NITT, Zaria, Dr Maina Williams Tarfa, commended the Plateau State Government for providing facilities beyond what the institute had initially requested.

Tarfa said the intervention would enable NITT to establish a strong educational presence in Plateau State and bring specialised transport training closer to residents.

He expressed confidence that the centre would commence operations by September, providing training opportunities for local government technicians and other professionals across the state.

He explained that NITT would introduce programmes including Advanced Diploma, Graduate Diploma and Master’s programmes in Transport and Logistics, while deploying its technical experts to deliver quality training and practical services.

Tarfa said the centre would help bridge the gap between theoretical education and practical skills by giving learners direct exposure to modern transport technologies.

Dr Sani Barau, Special Adviser to the Director General/Chief Executive of NITT, said the handover marked the transition from planning to implementation after concerted efforts to secure and prepare the facilities.

Barau stressed the need for a clear and speedy activation plan to ensure that the centre becomes operational as soon as possible.

He said the initiative would involve local technical stakeholders, create investment opportunities and strengthen the skills base required for the development of Plateau State’s transport sector.

The officials subsequently toured the facilities to inspect the progress of rehabilitation works at the institution ahead of the planned commencement of operations in September.

The establishment of the NITT Learning Centre is expected to strengthen technical and vocational education in Plateau State, giving students, technicians and professionals access to practical training and advanced qualifications in transport, logistics and emerging vehicle technologies.

Entertainment

Big Chinni Thrills Audience as NASCO Cornflakes Powers Mr & Miss UNIJOS 2026

Published

4 weeks ago

August 3, 2026

Preport

The University of Jos came alive with music, glamour and excitement as Afro Soul sensation Big Chinni delivered a captivating performance at the Mr & Miss UNIJOS 2026 pageant, one of the institution’s most anticipated annual social events.

The event, held on the University of Jos campus, attracted hundreds of students, alumni and guests who gathered to witness the crowning of the institution’s new king and queen and to celebrate creativity, fashion and student excellence.

Big Chinni thrilled the audience with an energetic Afro Soul performance, delivering a blend of soulful melodies and vibrant stagecraft that kept the crowd singing and dancing throughout her set. Her performance added excitement to an evening dedicated to showcasing talent, confidence and youthful creativity.

The pageant, widely regarded as a flagship event on the university’s social calendar, featured dazzling fashion displays, entertainment performances and competitive segments leading to the emergence of the new Mr & Miss UNIJOS 2026.

The event was powered by NASCO Cornflakes, one of Nigeria’s leading breakfast cereal brands, whose colourful branding featured prominently across the venue, including the red carpet and main stage. The company’s support underscored its commitment to promoting youth development, campus engagement and student-focused initiatives.

Organisers said the collaboration between NASCO Cornflakes and the pageant reflected a shared vision of celebrating excellence, talent and the vibrant lifestyle of young people.

With her memorable performance, Big Chinni further strengthened her growing reputation as one of the emerging voices in the Afro Soul music scene, leaving the audience entertained and making the 2026 edition of Mr & Miss UNIJOS one of the most talked-about campus events of the year.