Murdoch University has officially welcomed Nigeria’s Minister for Solid Minerals, Dr. Henry Dele Alake, and a high-level delegation of public officials as part of a landmark two-week program aimed at advancing mining industry knowledge and strengthening bilateral collaboration.
Dr. Alake and his delegation were received on campus with a traditional Smoking Ceremony performed by Alton Walley, marking the beginning of an immersive educational and cultural experience. The visit, which runs until June 15, is supported by the Commonwealth Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade and the Australian High Commissioner to Nigeria. It is the first of two delegations expected before 2026, focused on sharing mining expertise and fostering sustainable partnerships.
Throughout the program, the Nigerian officials will engage in a series of lectures and field visits, delving into key topics such as extractive metallurgy in Western Australia, sustainable geochemistry, and mineral science research. They will also meet directly with industry experts to exchange insights on global mining trends, explore investment opportunities, and discuss the pressing sustainability challenges confronting both nations.
The initiative will culminate in an Industry Panel Discussion, designed to generate actionable ideas and collaborative strategies for addressing Nigeria’s mining sector challenges.
Murdoch University Vice Chancellor Professor Andrew Deeks highlighted the significance of the Minister’s visit, emphasising the shared value of international cooperation in advancing resource sector development.
“The support of the Commonwealth Government speaks to the importance of our two nations coming together to share knowledge for the mutual benefit of our societies,” Professor Deeks stated.
He added that the visit is in line with the University’s broader commitment to ethical, sustainable, and inclusive community engagement—efforts that build trust and create meaningful impact through education and research.
Murdoch University has long maintained a strong connection with the African continent through platforms such as the African Australian Research Forum and the Murdoch Third Commission: Inclusive Transitions on the Continent of Africa. These initiatives continue to foster strategic ties across government, industry, and community sectors, with the goal of nurturing lasting partnerships that support mutual growth and innovation.
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