The Gemstones Miners and Marketers Association of Nigeria (GMMAN) at the closing ceremony of the 3rd Nigeria Gemstones and Jewelry Expo (NGJE) held at the University of Ibadan Conference Centre from August 25–27, conferred awards of honour on distinguished individuals and institutions that have contributed immensely to the growth of Nigeria’s gemstone and jewelry sector.
Among the highlights of the evening was the Award of Excellence presented to Yakubu Gowon University, Abuja, celebrated as the first institution in Africa to pioneer Gemology in higher education. The recognition underscored the University’s groundbreaking role in establishing a formal academic curriculum in gemological sciences, a step expected to transform Nigeria’s gemstone and jewelry industry through education, research, and innovation. Also honoured was Dr. Isyaku Aminu, the visionary head of the Department of Geology and Gemology at Yakubu Gowon University, for his leadership in driving this pioneering program.
In his remarks, Engr. Adeniran Ajibade, President of GMMAN, said the association was proud to honour those who have advanced Nigeria’s gemstone sector through innovation, education, and support. “Our vision is to see Nigeria become the gemstone hub of Africa. With institutions like Yakubu Gowon University showing the way in gemological education, and with the support of stakeholders across finance, industry, and academia, we are confident that Nigeria can take its rightful place in the global jewelry market. Today’s awardees represent the collective spirit needed to drive this transformation,” he stated.
Speaking at the event, Prof. Adesoji Adesugba, co-founder and Trustee of GMMAN, congratulated the University and Dr. Isyaku Aminu, stressing the transformative potential of gemology education. “The future of Nigeria’s mining and jewelry sector lies in knowledge and value addition. For too long, we have been exporting raw gemstones with little benefit to our economy. With the bold step taken by Yakubu Gowon University, we are building the capacity to cut, polish, design, and market jewelry of global standards. This will create jobs, empower our youths, and open up an entirely new export pathway for Nigeria. I commend the University for leading Africa in this regard and congratulate Dr. Aminu for his vision and commitment to the sector,” he said.
Other awardees included Sir (Engr) Yomi Aluko, who received an Award of Appreciation for his intellectual contributions to NGJE 2025; the Bank of Industry, for immense financial support; the Nigerian Bottling Company, for continuous support to the Expo; Dr. Abiodun Ariyo of Providus Bank, for his contribution to the growth of the mining sector; Mrs. Oluseyi Abdullahi, CEO of Crafties, for her intellectual contribution to the event; Nihma Ibironke Oduniyi, for her intellectual contribution; and Mr. Victor Ekpeyong, also for his intellectual contribution to the third edition of the Expo.
NGJE 2025 transformed the University of Ibadan Conference Centre into a hub of innovation and knowledge-sharing, with live gemstone cutting demonstrations, jewelry fashion showcases, business networking sessions, and empowerment programs for women and youth. Nigeria’s gemstone resources, valued in billions of dollars, remain largely untapped, and initiatives such as NGJE and the educational strides of Yakubu Gowon University are expected to shift the focus from raw extraction to value addition, global competitiveness, and sustainable development.
The awards ceremony closed the three-day event that brought together miners, designers, academics, financiers, and policymakers, all united in advancing Nigeria’s position as Africa’s emerging hub for gemstones and jewelry.
