FUNAAB 112th Inaugural Lecture: Rare Earth Discoveries

By Olasunkanmi Olajide & Joy Adeyiga

An Environmental Geology and Geochemistry expert from the Department of Geology, College of Environmental Resources Management (COLERM), Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB), Prof. Adewole Gbadebo, has called on the Federal Government to harness the high concentrations of heavy Rare Earth Elements (REEs) discovered in Lagos and Ogun States for national economic development.

Delivering the 112th Inaugural Lecture of FUNAAB, titled “Rock and Soil Fingerprints on Water: My Groundwater Odyssey,” today, April 8, 2026, at the Oluwafemi Balogun Ceremonial Building, the scholar highlighted the strategic importance of these minerals in modern technology and industry.

Highlighting the economic prospects of the REEs, Prof. Gbadebo recommended the creation of a dedicated regulatory agency to oversee their sustainable exploration and exploitation, positioning Nigeria competitively in the global mineral market.

Prof. Gbadebo also drew attention to the dual nature of groundwater, describing it as both a “gift and a gamble.” While it remains a crucial lifeline for millions of Nigerians, he warned that poor management could transform it into what he termed a “death time bomb,” capable of transmitting harmful contaminants and diseases to unsuspecting populations.

He explained that groundwater quality is significantly influenced by underlying geological formations, which may introduce both beneficial minerals and toxic substances. Drawing from extensive studies across Nigeria’s basement complex and sedimentary terrains, including the Niger Delta, he identified over-extraction, industrial pollution, poor borehole maintenance, and climate variability as major drivers of groundwater contamination.

Despite these challenges, the Inaugural Lecturer expressed optimism, citing ongoing interventions such as the rehabilitation of abandoned boreholes, deployment of solar-powered water systems, and capacity-building initiatives for young hydrogeologists.

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To safeguard groundwater resources, Prof. Gbadebo recommended mandatory water quality certification for all boreholes, stressing that no water source should be used domestically without proper physicochemical and microbial testing. He also advocated increased investment in rural water infrastructure, particularly deeper and solar-powered boreholes.

On environmental governance, he called for stricter enforcement of pollution control regulations, urging industries to treat effluents before discharge, with penalties redirected towards environmental remediation. Additionally, he proposed the establishment of a national groundwater monitoring network to integrate meteorological, hydrological, and geochemical data for the early detection of risks and evidence-based policymaking.

He further emphasised the need for public awareness and community engagement in groundwater protection, noting that environmental stewardship must be a shared responsibility between government and citizens. He also urged stronger collaboration between academia and policymakers to ensure that scientific research informs national decisions.

Earlier in his Introductory Remarks, the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Babatunde Kehinde, described the lecture as a milestone, noting that it was the first Inaugural Lecture from the Department of Geology and the 15th from the College of Environmental Resources Management.

He commended Prof. Gbadebo’s over three decades of impactful scholarship, highlighting his contributions to groundwater research, environmental sustainability, and human capacity development. The Vice-Chancellor noted that Prof. Gbadebo had supervised more than 60 postgraduate students and over 200 undergraduate projects, alongside publishing over 100 academic papers.

Prof. Kehinde also appreciated the Geochemist’s community impact, particularly his role in facilitating the drilling of over 200 boreholes, thereby improving access to potable water across several communities.