By Najeeb Sani
Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed, has assented to the law establishing the Mining Institute, Alkaleri, Bauchi State (MIABAS), in a major push to develop technical manpower and harness the state’s vast solid mineral resources.
The assent followed the final passage of the bill by the Bauchi State House of Assembly, paving the way for the institutionalisation of specialised mining education in the state.
According to a press release issued on Thursday by the Information Officer of the Ministry of Natural Resources Development, Fatima Abdulkarim, the governor has also approved the conversion of the Kaura Mineral Processing and Buying Center located at Gwaram village in Alkaleri Local Government Area to serve as the temporary site for the immediate take-off of the institute.
The governor further directed the strategic relocation of the mineral buying centre to Toro Local Government Area to ensure continued operations.
The establishment of MIABAS, according to the Ministry, is aimed at strengthening mining education, promoting technical skills acquisition, eradicating illegal mining, and maximising economic benefits from the solid minerals sector.
“This initiative reflects the state government’s commitment to developing local expertise, equipping young people with practical and industry-relevant skills, and harnessing Bauchi State’s mineral resources for sustainable economic growth,” the statement said.
The institute, she added, is expected to provide specialised training in mining, mineral processing, geology and related disciplines, thereby expanding opportunities for employment, entrepreneurship and local participation in the solid minerals value chain.
The Ministry noted that the passage of the bill into law demonstrates the administration’s resolve to transform the state’s natural resource potential into tangible opportunities and shared prosperity for its people.
