“Change the Narrative of Geological Sciences in Africa,” UI VC urges African Geologists

The Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ibadan, Professor Kayode O. Adebowale, mni, FAS, fspsp, has urged geologists and geoscientists in Africa to move from geological curiosity and become solution providers through research, innovation and capacity development.

He gave this charge while receiving facilitators of the 10th SGA - SEG - IUGS - UNESCO Short Course on African Metallogeny, who paid a courtesy visit to the office of the Vice-Chancellor.

Professor Adebowale observed that many of Africa’s mineral resources leave the continent as raw materials and return as finished products, a situation he lamented has limited the continent’s economic and technological advancement.

He described the short course as a unique opportunity to change the narrative of geological sciences in Africa, particularly through the engagement, training and enlightenment of early-career researchers, saying education, enlightenment, and collaboration remain essential for sustainable growth of the sector.

The Vice-Chancellor restated that the course would strengthen capacity development and contribute significantly to advancing knowledge in mineral exploration and sustainable resource management.

He disclosed that geological studies in Nigeria have a long history rooted in the University of Ibadan, making the institution the ideal choice for hosting the programme for the first time in Nigeria.

Professor Adebowale reaffirmed the University of Ibadan’s commitment to collaborations and partnerships with institutions and organisations across the world, adding that the institution’s alumni have continued to make significant contributions in various sectors.

The President of the Geological Society of Africa and a Professor in the Department of Geology, University of Ibadan, Professor Olugbenga Okunlola, who is the Chairman of the Local Organising Committee explained that the short course was organised by Society for Geology Applied to Mineral Deposits (SGA) in collaboration with the Geological Society of Africa with support from UNESCO.

He stated that the 2026 edition is the tenth in the series and the first to be hosted in Nigeria and was designed to bring participants together from different African countries to advance knowledge and expertise in mineral exploration and metallogeny.

Professor Beate Orberger, an economic geologist and consultant from France, who led the facilitators stated that the programme was designed to benefit local students and strengthen scientific collaboration between Africa and Europe, disclosing that facilitators have been drawn from different African countries.

She explained that the organizers have continued to move the programme from one country to another to ensure that local participants benefit directly from the training opportunities. 

According to her, several former participants have become trainers, lecturers, and researchers in their respective institutions and the project is being expanded across Africa to foster partnerships among universities, government agencies, and research institutions. 

Professor Orberger emphasized the need to establish a consortium that would facilitate smoother collaboration between Europe and Africa and promote the exchange of ideas and expertise.

She added that such a partnership would enhance research capacity, strengthen academic networks, and contribute to the advancement of geoscience education and research across the continent.

The short course was attended by geologists and engineers in exploration and mining companies, processing sector, geological surveys, PhD and Masters' students, researchers, and university lecturers to develop professional skills and competencies in exploration and mining across the value chain.

Courtesy: UI DIRECTORATE OF PUBLIC COMMUNICATION