The discovery of some illegal mining sites inside the campus of the Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife has been generating reaction and counter-reaction over the weeks.
OAU is a federal university in Ile-Ife, Osun State. It was founded in 1961 and classes commenced in October 1962 as the University of Ife by the regional government of Western Nigeria. It was renamed “Obafemi Awolowo University” on May 12, 1987, by the Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida led military administration, in honour of Obafemi Awolowo, the first premier of the Western Region of Nigeria, who initiated the idea of establishing the university.
The miners were said to have been operating without the approval of the host community, according to the school management. It is clear that illegal mining activities can have an impact on the student and the community at large that uses the water which might have been contaminated by the chemicals the miners used for their operations.
For the mining operations to be considered to be legal, OAU, being the host community, ought to have signed a mandatory Community Development Agreement with the miners as stipulated in the Nigerian Minerals and Mining Act of 2007. However, the university management in a statement released by Public Relations Officer, Abiodun Olanrewaju, denied consenting to the mining activities going on inside the domain of the university.
But one would begin to wonder how such activities that could jeopardise the health of thousands of students and staff were going on without the relevant authority stopping it.
Perhaps some powerful Nigerians as the Minister of Solid Mineral, Dele Alake, had previously commented are behind the mining activities on OAU’s land that ultimately belongs to the Federal Government.
When Nigerian Tribune visited the mining site at Ede Road, the site was deserted but the land was desecrated.
A man who sat along the road while speaking with Nigerian Tribune confirmed that the miners spent almost three weeks in the place before they went away.
According to the man, who spoke on condition of anonymity, this would be the second time that mining activities have taken place in that particular area.
He noted that the illegal miners first mined some parts of land around June 2022.
Also, speaking with Nigerian Tribune, a student of the university, who gave his name simply as Temilade, said the activities of the miners could have negative impacts on the students if not properly addressed.
He noted that the contaminated water might find its way into some wells around the area which might affect the health of those using the water.
He called for a thorough investigation into the issue, adding that anybody found culpable should be made to face the law.
We didn’t give consent to miners – OAU
Meanwhile, the management of the university has denied giving consent to the activities of the illegal miners.
A release by the university’s Public Relations Officer, Mr Abiodun Olanrewaju, noted that the university had since become aware of the illegal activities of these miners and has written a formal complaint to the appropriate government authorities.
The statement said the university was taking all lawful steps to stop the activities of the trespassers which constituted devastating environmental hazard to the university environment.
“It has come to the knowledge of the university administration that some individuals, groups, and or companies have made the claim that they have licences to carry on mining activities on the University land at Ile-Ife, and that they have the consent of the university, in the form of leases and agreements, in that respect.
“The university therefore wishes to use this medium to inform the general public, especially our alumni and other stakeholders, that the University did not give any consent to any individual, group, company or association to obtain any license to carry out mining activities on its land.
“Furthermore, the university did not, at any time, sign any agreement with any individual, company or group for the purpose of mining activities on its land.
“We wish to assure the concerned members of the university, stakeholders and members of the general public that the university is taking all lawful steps to stop the activities of these trespassers, which constitute devastating environmental hazard to the University estate and are most embarrassing.
“We have the assurance of the Federal authorities that the complaint of the university is receiving necessary attention,” the statement read in part.
NAUS condemns action, calls for swift resolutions
Also, the National Association of University Students (NAUS) condemned the activities of illegal miners within the Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile Ife, Osun State.
In a statement signed by NAUS Vice Chairman in Osun State, Akinyemi Hammed, Deputy National President, Babalola Daniel and National Security Director of NAUS, Eruobami Ayobami, the student union sympathised with the university community members who are being directly affected by these illegal operations.
The statement read in part, “The safety, health, and well-being of thousands of students, faculty, and staff members are seriously threatened by the recent revelations regarding illegal mining activities near the university’s staff quarters and essential water sources.
“The sacredness of academia is violated when mining operations encroach on university property, endangering the quest for knowledge and enlightenment that academic institutions are designed to promote.”
The union while calling on concerned stakeholders to swiftly resolve the situation, noted that investigative measures are needed.
“All pertinent parties must give the OAU crisis their immediate attention and take prompt action. We demand that the administration of the institution put the security and welfare of the student body first by acting quickly to put an end to these unlawful acts and hold those involved accountable.
“Furthermore, we implore the Federal Ministry of Environment, the Ministry of Solid Minerals, and other relevant organisations to initiate a thorough inquiry into the issue and guarantee that those responsible be held accountable.
“Additionally, we make a call to international organisations to provide their knowledge and assistance in resolving this urgent matter, which poses a threat not only to the neighbourhood but also to the environment and public health.
“Working together is essential to ensuring that our universities remain bulwarks of knowledge and advancement, free from the scourge of illicit mining and other harmful operations.
“NAUS is steadfast in its commitment to fighting for the welfare and rights of Nigerian students, and it will keep a careful eye on events at OAU,” the statement continued.
In an opinion piece sent to Nigerian Tribune, a concerned member of the OAU community, Kazeem Olalekan wrote, “It is quite pathetic that despite the fact that it has been weeks since the issue of unregulated mining in OAU gained public attention, the Federal Ministry of Solid Minerals has not found it worthy to react not to talk of mandating security agencies to go after everyone involved in this reckless act.”
He added that “The invasion of the university land for mining purpose is a serious issue which must not be swept under the carpet. Though, the artisans have left the mining sites after the public outcry, but, examples must be made of everyone involved in this unregulated mining. It is simply a crime against humanity.”
As of press time, the Ministry of Solid Minerals Development is yet to issue a statement regarding the development.
