About Geology

The Department of Geology, formerly known as the Department of Geology and Geophysics, was established in 1983 with two academic staff members, the late Dr. A. A. Fadipe and Mr. O. A. Adepoju (now Dr.), and an initial enrolment of 20 students. The Department was one of the Departments in the former Faculty of Science of Ekiti State University, Ado-Ekiti. In 1984, Dr. B. D. Ako (now Professor) and the late Prof. A. O. Ojo joined the Department, while the late Prof. A. O. Oyinloye joined in 1985, thereby strengthening the academic staff. The first set of students graduated in 1987. Following the departure of Prof. B. D. Ako and Dr. O. A. Adepoju, coupled with the shortage of lecturers in Geophysics, the Geophysics programme was temporarily discontinued. The Geophysics option was reintroduced in the 2014/2015 academic session when adequate academic staff became available.

Over the years, the Department has expanded considerably in terms of academic staffing, student enrolment and infrastructure. Presently, the Department has 14 academic staff, four laboratory and technical staff, and two administrative staff. Its facilities include two demonstration laboratories, a library and a geophysical workstation donated by ExxonMobil, which supports teaching and practical training in geology and geophysics. The Department has produced graduates who have distinguished themselves in various capacities and occupy important positions in both the public and private sectors.

The Department has also recently restructured its curriculum in accordance with the Core Curriculum and Minimum Academic Standards (CCMAS) for Nigerian Universities, as prescribed by the National Universities Commission (NUC). This reflects the Department’s commitment to maintaining current academic standards and providing relevant and industry-responsive training in the geosciences.

Heads of Department

The administration of the Department over the years has been provided by successive Heads of Department, serving in substantive or acting capacities, with a Coordinator appointed during one period, as presented below:

• A. A. Fadipe: 1983–1996

• Dr. A. O. Oyinloye: 1996–1998
• Dr. A. O. Ojo: 1998–2000
• Mr. S. O. Ogunniyi: Coordinator, 2000–2002
• Dr. A. O. Ojo: 2002–2004
• Dr. A. O. Oyinloye: 2004–2006
• Dr. A. O. Ojo: 2006–2008
• Dr. A. O. Oyinloye: 2008–2009
• Dr. A. O. Ojo: 2009–2011
• Prof. A. O. Oyinloye: 2011–2013
• Dr. O. L. Ademilua (now Professor): 2013–2015
• Dr. O. F. Adebayo (now Professor): 2015–2017
• Dr. R. A. Obasi (now Professor): 1 August 2017–31 July 2018
• Dr. S. A. Akinyemi (now Professor): 1 August 2018–31 July 2020
• Dr. A. O. Talabi (now Professor): 1 August 2020–31 July 2022
• Dr. A. O. OlaOlorun (now Professor): 1 August 2022–31 July 2024
• Dr. A. O. Aturamu: Acting Head of Department, 1 August 204–31 July 2025
• Prof. A. O. Aturamu: Substantive Head of Department, 1 August 2025–present

The Department of Geology remains committed to providing quality education and practical training in the geosciences, fostering research and innovation, and preparing graduates to contribute effectively to national and international development. The Department continues to pursue academic excellence and aspires to meet and sustain internationally recognised standards in geological education and practice.

The Philosophy

The programmes of the Department of Geology are designed for students to have in-depth knowledge of fundamental concepts in Earth and planetary science, developing the ability to collect, analyze and interpret geological/geophysical and environmental data. The curriculum is based on the application of the knowledge of Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics, Physics and Computer Science to tap the hidden resources (crude oil, coal, economic mineral deposits, groundwater etc.) within the earth for the benefit of mankind. Graduates from the Department with B.Sc. degree in Geology or Applied Geophysics should not only have acquired the prerequisite geological and geophysical skills and knowledge in the broadest sense, but also be able to address real geological and/or environmental problems and work as professional Geologists and Geophysicists in government parastatals, higher institutions of learning, research institutes, industries and consulting organizations in Nigeria and other countries and to be capable of self-employment after graduation.

The Objectives of The Department

The undergraduate programmes in the Department of Geology are designed to:

1. Provide geological based education that is relevant to Nigerian situation in the area of Earth Sciences.
2. Train the students to acquire considerable in-depth knowledge in various aspects of Geology with emphasis on Applied Geology subjects such as Geological Mapping, Hydrogeology, Engineering Geology, Petroleum Geology, Exploration Geophysics, Geochemistry, Economic Geology, Micropaleontology and Palynology among others.
3. Inculcate self-confidence and independence in the students so that they can make meaningful contributions towards the development of the profession and whatever capacity they may become engaged in.
4. Broadens the students’ knowledge such that they, in addition to the compulsory foundation and departmental required courses in Geology and Applied Geophysics, are able to select appropriate elective courses from other departments within and outside the Faculty of Science.

The Mission Statement of The Department

The purpose of the undergraduate programme in the Department of Geology is to provide students with a broad background in the fundamentals of the geological sciences. In addition, quantitative, analytical and communications skills of students are to be developed so that graduates from the Department can conduct research, think critically about questions involving the Earth and proffer appropriate solutions to practical problems. The training of students serves as excellent preparation for graduate school and careers in geological and environmental consulting, land use planning, teaching and other professions.

General Services

The Academic Programmes and activities of the Department involve tutorial bench, laboratories, and field work exercises for the award of B.Sc. degrees. The day-to-day running of the Department depends on the following organs and administrative structure:

1. The Head of Department and chairman of the Departmental Board.
2. The Departmental Board consists of the Head of Department as chairman, all lecturers of the Department and one representative from each of the other Departments in the Faculty.
3. The Department also has various Committees to assist the Head of Department in facilitating the running of the office. The Committees include Academic Staff Review, Non-Teaching Staff Review, Admission, Examination, Field work, Research, Journal, Library, Seminars, and other statutory and special matters.

Geology/Applied Geophysics is the backbone of Nigeria economy in view of its significance in the oil industry. Hence, the programmes of the Department of Geology are designed to incorporate social, philosophical, and human understanding, taking into consideration the background of the students, their environments, the economic situation and above all the benefit to the nation and the world at large.

The make EKSU Geology Department the best in Africa, the work begins with knowing what lies beneath our soil. To support this, the Tunji Olowolafe Foundation is collaborating with Ekiti State University to modernize its Department of Geology with dedicated solar energy, high-speed Starlink connectivity, computer hardware and advanced field-testing equipment. EKSU geology students already rank among the top three in international academic competitions; within five years, our goal is to establish this department as the premier geology faculty in Africa.