ABU Zaria Law Society Hosts Lecture, Debate On Nigeria's Mining Industry

By Jibirin Zaria

ABU Zaria Law Society Hosts Lecture, Debate On Nigeria's Mining Industry 

  

The Law Students’ Society of Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, has convened a one-day public lecture and debate to deepen conversations on how Nigeria’s mining sector can drive economic growth and sustainable development.  

The program, held on the Zaria campus, was designed to connect classroom learning with industry practice and encourage policy-driven dialogue among future legal practitioners.  
Delivering remarks at the event, Professor Fascal Ogunno said the gathering was important for expanding intellectual engagement on the mining industry.  

"This session will go a long way in promoting intellectual discourse on the mining sector and in encouraging informed conversations among students about issues that affect national development," Professor Ogunno stated.  

He charged law students to be diligent in their studies and to uphold the ethics of the legal profession.  "I urge you to take your profession seriously and to maintain the principles that define the legal profession," he said.  

"You have every opportunity to contribute meaningfully to all sectors of national development, including mining," he added.  

Representing the Dean of the Faculty of Arts, Malam Nasiru Bala commended the students for organizing the event, describing it as timely and relevant.  

"The students deserve commendation for their foresight in organizing this lecture. The timing could not have been better," Malam Bala said.  "He reaffirmed the university’s commitment to strengthening legal education and producing graduates who will serve society effectively," he added.  

In his keynote address, Managing Director of Steron Group, Alhaji Abubakar Sadiq Omar, noted that Nigeria is yet to fully establish itself as a mining nation despite its vast mineral resources. "Although Nigeria is not yet widely recognized as a mining country, stakeholders in the sector must keep pushing forward by implementing clear action plans to improve our standing in the global mineral trade," Alhaji Omar said.  

He praised the Law Students’ Society for the initiative and for recognizing individuals contributing to the growth of the mining industry.  "I commend the students for organizing this lecture and for honoring Nigerians who have remained committed to advancing the mining sector, national development and economic growth," he stated.  

Earlier, the President of the Law Students’ Society, ABU Zaria, Jamilu Bulama Amshi, said the event was part of efforts to link academic training with industry realities and to celebrate outstanding contributors to national progress.  
"Today’s lecture and debate are part of our efforts to bridge the gap between academia and industry, and to recognize individuals who are making significant contributions to national progress," Mr. Amshi said.  

The program climaxed with a debate among law students on strategies to review and reform Nigeria’s mining laws and policies for better results.  

Awards were also presented to special guests and to deserving members of the Law Students’ Society in recognition of their contributions and service.