Geology, key to global sustainability– Egbewole
By Tajudeen Babamale, Abubakar Abdulquadri and Bashir Dawodu
The Vice Chancellor of the University of Ilorin, Prof. Wahab Olasupo Egbewole, SAN, has affirmed that Geology has evolved far beyond the traditional study of the earth’s structures to being a central pillar in global conversations on sustainability, energy transition, technological advancement and responsible resource management.
Prof. Egbewole made this assertion while declaring open the maiden Departmental Lecture of the Department of Geology and Mineral Sciences, organised in conjunction with the Centre for International Education (CIE), last Thursday (December 11, 2025) at the Geology Department Lecture Theatre.
Represented by the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Research, Technology and Innovation), Prof. Muhtar Adeiza Etudaiye, the Vice Chancellor said that the theme of the event, “From Rocks to Resources: The Role of Geology in Emerging Global Transformation”, “captured the essence of our rapidly developing world and reflecting the broadening scope of geological sciences in addressing complex global challenges.”
The Vice Chancellor also revealed that the University is concluding plans to profile all elements beneath the soil of the University of Ilorin to create a comprehensive geological map of the campus, adding that the initiative will provide valuable data on “what you are sitting on”.
Prof. Egbewole commended the Department for initiating the lecture series, describing it as a clear demonstration of its commitment to meaningful global dialogues by engaging top scholars, practitioners, policy makers, and industry leaders.
He expressed confidence that the event would open new frontiers of knowledge and position the University of Ilorin as a strategic contributor to contemporary geoscience discourse.
Delivering a lecture titled,”From Rocks To Resources : The Role of Geology in Emerging Global Transformation”, a lecturer at the Department of Geology at the University Abdou Moumouni, Niamey, Niger, Dr Abdou Dodo Bohari, emphasised that Geology goes beyond the study of rocks, describing it as a vital science that explains the origin, distribution, and potential of the resources that sustain modern civilization.
Dr Bohari said that Geology remains crucial in addressing emerging climate change challenges and plays a decisive role in determining where essential resources are located. “Geology links the earth’s ancient processes to the needs of modern civilisation. It turns rocks into resources, landscapes into knowledge, and knowledge into progress,” he stated.
He urged Geologists and students at the event to drive transformation within the field in order to achieve their professional goals.
The second speaker, Dr B. V. Adeniran, also stressed the indispensable relevance of Geology, noting that society cannot function without it. He described the discipline as central to human existence and global transformation. “Investing in geological science is like investing in the future, as it provides the tools to address global challenges,” he said.
Earlier in his remarks, the Dean of the Faculty of Physical Sciences, Prof. Olabisi Adekeye, said that the lecture marked the first in the history of the Department of Geology and Mineral Sciences since its inception.
According to him, the Department, which was established on November 23, 1976, has grown beyond imagination, trained and produced many graduates who have prospered and contributed to national development.
He thanked the pioneer and subsequent members of staff of the Department for their role in ensuring its progress.
He also acknowledged the unwavering support of one of the Guest Speakers, Dr B.V. Adeniran, who, he said, had earlier donated three units of desktop computers to the Faculty of Physical Sciences, and encouraged other alumni to emulate him by contributing immensely to the progress of their alma mater.
Also speaking, the Head of Geology and Mineral Sciences, Dr. Mumini Adebayo Yusuf, described the event as a tribute to the remarkable journey of their Department.
Highlights of the event included the presentation of awards to some alumni of the Department, among whom were Chief Tunde Ajala, Dr. B.V. Adeniran, Mrs. Bidemi Belgore, Mr. Wasiu Lawal, Dr Garba AbdulRazaq, and Ms. Oyabo Sindiku. Other awardees included the Guest Speakers, Dr B.V. Adeniran and Dr Abdou Dodo, among others.
