UI Don Asserts That Sedimentary Rocks are Vaults of Treasure

A Professor of Petroleum Geology and Sedimentology at the University of Ibadan (UI), Prof. Matthew Essien Nton, has described sedimentary rocks as “vaults of treasures” that should be explored and exploited scientifically for the benefit of humanity.

He made this assertion while delivering the 590th Inaugural Lecture of the University, titled “Sediments: Nature’s Vault of Resources and Secrets Across Time”, on behalf of the Faculty of Science.

Prof. Nton explained that sedimentary rocks, which are deposited in basins formed within the earth’s crust, contain vital materials such as cement, sand, water, glass, and iron—resources that make up more than 80% of human infrastructure. He emphasized that investing in sedimentary rocks is always worthwhile, given their immense economic and scientific value.

He further noted that sedimentology plays a crucial role in understanding the rock cycle, stratigraphy, tectonics, provenance, and paleoclimatic conditions, thereby linking man to valuable natural resources.

However, the don expressed concern over environmental degradation caused by oil exploration in the Niger Delta, describing it as one of the most severely degraded ecosystems globally due to frequent oil spills.

To safeguard these natural “treasures,” Prof. Nton recommended stricter regulations against illegal sand mining and unregulated quarrying. He also urged the incorporation of geosciences into school curricula to equip students with practical knowledge of earth systems.

Additionally, he called for increased funding for universities, procurement of modern equipment, and easier access to geoscientific data to aid research and innovation.

The lecture, which was the 13th in the 2024/2025 academic session, reinforced the relevance of geology in addressing environmental challenges and advancing national development.