Last Updated on September 19, 2026 by Olasunkanmi Olajide
… As the Society Inaugurates FUNAAB Chapter, Holds Third Quarterly Meeting
The Nigerian Mining and Geosciences Society (NMGS), Abeokuta Chapter, has called for stronger collaboration among academia, government, industry and professional bodies to harness the potential of geosciences for sustainable development, economic diversification and environmental safety in Nigeria.
The call was made at the Society’s Third Quarterly Meeting, held today, September 16, 2026, at the Green Chamber, Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB), where the FUNAAB Chapter was also inaugurated.
The meeting attracted the NMGS Chairman, Prof. Adewole Gbadebo; Vice Chairman, Prof. Stephen Ariyo; General Secretary, Mr. Agboyinu Sogo; lecturers from FUNAAB’s Department of Geology; government representatives; industry partners; and students.
In his Welcome a
Address, the Chapter Chairman described the quarterly meeting as an important platform for knowledge sharing, professional engagement and strengthening partnerships within the geosciences community. He expressed appreciation to the University Management for hosting the meeting and supporting the Department of Geology.
He noted that Geology extends beyond the study of rocks, with significant applications in water supply, food production, infrastructure development and environmental management. He disclosed that the Department of Geology had introduced five new areas of specialisation, which are Urban Geology, Medical Geology, Geo-Terrorism, Geo-Archaeology and Agrogeology, to broaden the scope of geoscience education and research.
The Chairman identified economic diversification, environmental security, public health and food security as key areas where geosciences could contribute to national development. He noted that the exploration of solid minerals and mining could support economic diversification, while geoscientific expertise was essential for addressing flooding, erosion and climate adaptation.
He further highlighted the relevance of Medical Geology and Agrogeology to public health and food security, noting that FUNAAB’s Department of Geology was the first Department in Nigeria to offer Agrogeology.
He added that the NMGS contributes to national development by providing professional advice and geological data to government, creating public awareness about the relevance of geology to everyday life, and mentoring young geoscientists to undertake research focused on local and national challenges.
The Chapter Chairman urged participants to deepen existing partnerships and strengthen the role of Geologists in advancing Nigeria’s development priorities, particularly in the areas of economic prosperity and environmental safety, before formally declaring the meeting open.
#SDG8, #SDG16, #SDG17
