The Management of Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), located in Ile-Ife, Osun State, has refuted claims of granting licenses to individuals, groups, or companies for mining activities on the university’s land.
Reports had earlier surfaced indicating illegal mining activities occurring on portions of land owned by the University in Ile-Ife.
Abiodun Olarewaju, the University’s Public Relations Officer, released a press statement on Saturday, clarifying that the University had not authorized any individual, group, company, or association to obtain licenses for mining operations on its property.
“It has come to the attention of the University Administration that certain individuals, groups, and companies have asserted that they possess licenses to conduct mining operations on the University’s land in Ile-Ife, claiming to have obtained consent from the University through leases and agreements,” stated Olarewaju.
“While the University has formally reported the illegal activities of these miners to the appropriate Government Authorities, it is crucial to debunk the false claims made by these trespassers,” he continued.
The University emphasized that it had not granted consent to any entity for mining activities and had not entered into any agreements for such purposes. It reassured stakeholders, including alumni and the general public, that legal measures were being taken to halt these trespassing activities, which pose significant environmental risks to the University’s estate.
Concluding the statement, Mr,Abiodun Olarewaju said “We assure the University community, stakeholders, and the public that we are actively addressing this issue through lawful means and have received assurances from Federal Authorities that our concerns are being addressed appropriately,”
