NSUK VC Strengthens Global Partnerships as UNDP Commits to Expanding Mine-Tech Unipod Initiative

The Vice-Chancellor of Nasarawa State University, Keffi (NSUK), Professor Sa’adatu Hassan Liman, FELLOW: UNESCO, ACLS, FIIFP, CBER, FNIPR, has reaffirmed her administration’s commitment to positioning the University as a continental hub for innovation, sustainable mining and technology-driven development through strategic partnerships with international organisations.

Professor Liman made the declaration on Wednesday, 1 July 2026, while receiving a high-powered delegation from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), led by the Assistant Secretary-General, Director of the UNDP Africa Bureau and Special Adviser to the United Nations Secretary-General on African Affairs, Madam Ahunna Eziakonwa, at the University’s Council Chamber.

The visit underscored the growing international recognition of NSUK’s Mine-Tech Unipod, a flagship innovation hub established to promote sustainable mining practices, technological advancement and entrepreneurship across Africa.

Welcoming the delegation, Professor Liman expressed profound appreciation to the UNDP Resident Representative in Nigeria, Madam Elsie G. Attafuah, for the organisation’s unwavering support in the establishment and continuous development of the Mine-Tech Unipod. She also commended the Director of the Centre, Dr. Aisha Abubakar Kana, and her team for their dedication, professionalism and commitment to building a world-class innovation ecosystem within the University.

The Vice-Chancellor described the Mine-Tech Unipod as a transformative platform that reflects NSUK’s vision of deploying research, innovation and technology to unlock Africa’s vast mineral wealth in a sustainable and environmentally responsible manner.
“The sustainable development of Africa lies at the intersection of education, technology and strategic resource management. The Mine-Tech Innovation Hub is designed to bridge the gap between traditional mining practices and modern technology-driven sustainable solutions,” Professor Liman stated.

She noted that the Centre is developing environmentally friendly technologies that minimise the ecological impact of mineral extraction, nurturing a new generation of African innovators, engineers and entrepreneurs, and producing evidence-based research that will shape smarter, safer and more inclusive mining policies across the continent.

Reaffirming NSUK’s resolve to strengthen its collaboration with the UNDP and other global development partners, Professor Liman said the University would continue to invest in research, innovation and capacity building as key drivers of sustainable national and continental development.

Earlier, Madam Ahunna Eziakonwa explained that the delegation’s visit was to inspect and assess the Mine-Tech Unipod facilities while reaffirming the UNDP’s commitment to supporting the Pan-African Mine-Tech Unipod initiative.

She applauded the University Management, under Professor Liman’s leadership, for its warm hospitality and the remarkable progress recorded at the innovation hub.
According to her, the Mine-Tech Unipod provides a unique platform for strengthening collaboration among government, academia and industry, while accelerating Africa’s transition from an extractive economy to a knowledge-based economy through innovation and value addition.

Madam Eziakonwa further reiterated the UNDP’s commitment to supporting the sustainable growth of Africa’s mining sector by fostering innovation, technology transfer and strategic partnerships that create lasting socio-economic impact.

The delegation later toured the Mine-Tech Unipod facilities, where the Director of the Centre, Dr. Aisha Abubakar Kana, led members through the laboratories, innovation spaces and ongoing research projects, showcasing the Centre’s growing capacity to drive technological solutions for the mining industry.

The visit concluded with the presentation of commemorative souvenirs to the UNDP delegation and a group photograph at the University’s Penthouse, symbolising another significant milestone in NSUK’s expanding global engagement and Professor Sa’adatu Hassan Liman’s sustained efforts to elevate the University’s international profile through impactful partnerships.

©️ Information and Protocol Unit, 2026.
Nasarawa State University, Keffi