As an applied science, earth science covers the scientific study of the dynamic system of the Earth’s planet, which includes the atmosphere, hydrosphere, lithosphere and biosphere. The rapid growth of the human population is continuously exerting pressure on natural resources, such as water, energy, minerals, and construction materials. The study of earth science integrates the basic concepts of mathematics and physics, as well as chemistry and biology, in studying the history and processes of the Earth.
The quest for academic excellence of the Department so as to produce top-level graduates with a sound knowledge of the Earth Sciences, impacted through high-quality teaching, learning and research, birthed the Geology and Applied Geophysics programmes. This enables the advancement of scientific understanding of Earth’s structure, processes, natural resources and environment through innovative research to foster sustainable development. In addition to providing broad-based education in resource exploration and expertise in solving various groundwater, engineering, and geological-related problems, energy and environmental problems.
Vision
To be a leading centre of excellence in teaching and research to produce top-level graduates with a sound knowledge of the Earth Sciences.
Our History
Five students pioneered the Earth Sciences Department on Monday, 31st January, 1983, when it University opened its doors to the first set of students who graduated in 1987.
The Department has since then been producing graduates, whose impact in the management of natural resources, particularly in the area of ‘Exploration and Mining’, could not be quantified. Many of her products have found employment in the Oil Service and Producing, Federal and State Governments’ owned establishments, including this humble Department.
It started as a small Department of six full-time and three part-time academic staff with expertise in diverse aspects of Geology. By the 2000/2001 session, the staff strength had increased, and presently there are eight (08) full-time, one (1) Adjunct Professor, four (4) technical and two (2) administrative members of staff. The Department had been headed by highly qualified academics since its inception.
Academic Programmes
The Department offers undergraduate and postgraduate programmes designed to equip students with the theoretical knowledge and practical skills required in Geochemistry, Applied Geophysics, Sedimentary and Petroleum Geology, Hydrogeology and Engineering in Geology as well as Remote Sensing. Students are exposed to hands-on learning through field courses, laboratory research, and innovative projects that align with global trends in Earth Sciences.
During training, students are exposed to adequate practicals in the laboratories and a minimum of 100 days of ‘Field Mapping’ to make them fit into the mineral, petroleum, water, geotechnical and other related industries. Some others can also advance into further research at Post-graduate levels. The emphasis on practical training, both in the laboratories and in the field at the 300 and 400 levels, is particularly geared towards group and independent projects to prepare the future graduates for their fruitful careers.
Our Objectives
The set objectives of the department are as stated below:
- To produce young men and women who are vast in geosciences and prepared for careers in a variety of occupations in Ogun State, Nigeria and the world at large.
- To identify, explore and exploit the natural resources for the progress of mankind.
Research Areas
The Department fosters a vibrant academic community where students, staff, and researchers collaborate to advance Earth sciences through attendance and participation in seminars, conferences, and community-based projects, enabling the Department’s contribution to both local and global knowledge.
The department has a combination of individual and group research activities. Our staff members specialise and carry out research in the following areas:
- Groundwater and solid mineral exploration, Geochemical Exploration
- Geotechnical investigation for structures, Environmental Impact Assessment
- Digital facies models, Organic geochemistry, Micropalaeontoloy, Stable isotope geochemistry
- Petroleum geology/geochemistry, Reservoir systems, Geomechanic, Geoenergy.
- Subsurface investigation and hydrocarbon reservoir modelling,
- Geographic information systems,
- Hydrogeology/Hydrogeological and wastewater evaluations for siting land-based wastewater disposal systems;
- Soils, Sediment, Dust, Plants, geochemical consulting, Groundwater geochemistry, environmental pollution monitoring and remediation.
- Engineering/Environmental geoscience, Remote sensing and GIS applications
Facilities for Student Training
The Department is located in an environment whose boundary zone transits between the Precambrian crystalline Basement Complex terrain and (Dahomyean Miogeosyclinal) Sedimentary Basin. This affords easy access to a balanced training in Basic Geology, Solid Mineral, Hydrocarbon (Petroleum and Bitumen), Groundwater Exploration and Foundation studies for civil structures, making many of our graduates ready-made for the industries.
The Department has an ABEM Resistivity metre (Geophysical Equipment) and an Atomic Absorption Spectrometer (resident in the Department of Chemical Sciences) to be shared with other Departments in the ‘Faculty of Science’, as well as several related teaching and research equipment being expected to move the department in the direction of realising the objectives set for it.
The Department is well equipped with modern facilities to support research and teaching:
- Teaching and Research Laboratories: for practicals. Grain size analyses, heavy mineral, petrographic analysis,
PQWT 150: Geophysical survey and Foundation investigation. - Terameter: Geophysical survey and Foundation investigation.
- Field School for 300-level students: serving as an outdoor learning experience of the geological equipment available in the Department.
- Field Trips from 200 level to 400 Level: serving as outdoor learning and research environments for geological and applied geophysical studies.
- Lecture Halls and Classrooms: conducive spaces for interactive and effective teaching.
Past Heads of Department
The names of the Head of Department as listed below:
Departmental Organogram
Prof. Phillips Reuben IKHANE
Ikhane.phillips@oouagoiwoye.edu.ng
Orcid ID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5412-6889
Google scholar citation:344 ; h index: 11; i10-index: 12
+234 8054105723
Professor Phillips Reuben IKHANE is a specialist in Sedimentary and Petroleum Geochemistry with skills in teaching, research and general management. His expertise spans areas of Sedimentary processes and environments, Petroleum systems analysis, Reservoir characterisation, Exploration and Development, Basin analysis and stratigraphy and Unconventional resources. He earned his PhD degree in Geology in the year 2011 from Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ago-Iwoye.
He joined the services of Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ago-Iwoye, Ogun State, in 2004, and his work performance during a three-term tenure as the Acting Head of Department, Subdean (Science, Undergraduate Programmes), and Subdean (Science, Postgraduate Programmes) attests to his proven supervisory and administrative capabilities. He is currently serving as the Head, Department of Earth Sciences, where he oversees staff coordination, curriculum development and academic administration.
He is a member of six (6) exclusive professional bodies with over fifty scholarly scientific publications in the areas of general petrology, sedimentary processes and stratigraphy, palynology and petroleum play/ geochemistry in national and international reputable journals. He has served and is still serving on the editorial board of some journals. Most of his research works entail technical analysis for assessing geo-materials in terms of their elemental abundances, textural, mineralogical, indexing, chronological characteristics and electrofacies structuration with respect to special applications of electrical resistivity and magnetic methods.
Furthermore, He has measured the physico-chemical characteristics and biologically questionable occurrences of pathogenic micro-organisms encountered in raw groundwater samples from shallow wells. In some cases, He employed surface electrical resistivity surveying for insight into the profile development and worthy of note is his utilisation of the recent Optically Simulated Luminescence (OSL) technique in establishing the absolute age of the controversial Eastern Dahomey basin coastal sand. He has contributed to advancing knowledge through teaching, mentoring, and collaborative projects.
I have also been involved in the development of new programmes and curriculum review. Currently, I have undertaken edge-cutting studies in collaboration with some senior and world-class academics within and outside Nigeria.
Sequel to his zeal and passion for edge-cutting research, Professor Ikhane has collaborated with world-class academicians within and outside Nigeria. His experiences are vital and useful, especially in the present climate for effective and efficient management, research and development. These could extend to professional services such as consultancy, investigation, mapping, design and supervision in any related organisation
In his capacity as the Head of Department, he oversees academic administration, curriculum development, staff coordination, and student mentoring. He is committed to fostering a culture of academic excellence, collaborative research, and innovation within the Department. His leadership is directed toward strengthening the Department’s visibility and expanding its contributions to solving local and global earth challenges.
Recent Publications
- O. E Eruteya, M.A. Lawal, K. O. Omosanya, A. Oshomoji, U. Kaigama, A. A. Akinlalu, G. C. Anukwu, A. Suleiman, O. O. Bayewu, P. R. Ikhane and A. Moscariello (2021): Geoelectrical Resistivity Imaging of shallow oil sand in the Eastern Dahomey Basin (SW Nigeria): Implication for heavy oil exploration and production. Journal of African Earth Sciences. xxx(xxxx) 104122.
- Richard O. Fakolade, Phillips R. Ikhane, Qiuyue Zhao, Qingzhen Hao, Helena Alenxanderson, Zhengtang Guo (2021): Luminescence Dating of Holocene Siliciclastic Sediments in Eastern Dahomey Basin, Southwestern Nigeria. Quaternary International 598 (2021) 90 – 96.
- Coker, J. O., Ojo, O.F, Ikhane P.R., and Makinde, V. (2021): Application of Well Log Analysis in Assessment Of Petrophysical Parameters of the Alpha Oil field in Niger Delta, Nigeria. Journal of Applied Geology and Geophysics. 9(1), 39-49.
- Akinmosin A. A. Omosanya K. O. Ikhane P. R. Mosuro G. O. and Adetoso A. O. (2021): Research on Electrical Resistivity Imaging (ERI) of basin fills in some parts of Eastern Dahomey. African Journal of Geography and Regional Planning 8 (1) 001-012.
- G. O. Akintola, P. R. Ikhane, F. A. Dacosta, A. F. Adeagbo, A. I. Mhlongo, and N. O. Adebisi, (2021): Geochemical Evaluation of the Carbonaceous shale of the upper Cretaceous Anambra Basin for potential gas generation, Nigeria. Arabian Journal of Geoscience. (2021) 14:456
- P.R. Ikhane, O.C. Atewolara, J.O. Coker, A.O. Alaka, O.O. Oyebolu (2021): Evaluation of hydrocarbon potential of shale outcrops in the flanks of Anambra Basin. Scientia Africana 20 (3) 173-192.
- Phillips Reuben IKHANE, Odunayo Christy ATEWOLARA-ODULE, Olalekan Olayiwola OYEBOLU, Omotoso Richard FAKOLADE (2022): Chemostratigraphic Architecture of Sandstone Facies Exposed Along Auchi-Ighara Road, Mid-western Nigeria. GeoScience Engineering; 68 (1) 33 – 45. Ostrava, Czech Republic.
- P.R. Ikhane, O.O. Bayewu, J.O. Coker, O.O. Oyebolu, S.A. Adewoye (2022): Paleoenvironmental and paleodepositional architecture of SAMO field in Niger-Delta Basin of Nigeria using seismic and well log data. Scientia Africana 21 (1) 1-18. DOI: 10.4314/sa.v21i1.1
- Ajibade O.M, Banjo O.A, Ikhane P.R, Popoola, O.D, Oladipupo, S.D and Olufowobi, M.M (2024): Trace Metals and Pathogens in wastewater on sediments of Oyo province, Southwestern Nigeria. Ethiopian Journal of Environmental Studies and Management 17(1): 67-85
- Fakolade, R.O., Ikhane, P.R., Qinghzen Hao, Q. Ajibade, O.M., Olisa, O. G., Oyebolu O. O. (2024): REE signatures in Quaternary deposits: implication for provenance and economic potentials. Journal of Discover Environment 2 (96), 1-12. https://doi.org/10.1007/s44274-024-00103-8.
- Adekoya, S. A., Coker, J. O., Ikhane, P. R., & Oladunjoye, H. T. (2024). Geophysical and Sedimentological Characterisation of Oil Sand Deposit in Part of Eastern Dahomey Basin, Southwestern Nigeria. Nigerian Journal of Physics, 33(1), 114–125. https://doi.org/10.62292/njp.v33i1.2024.197
Academic Staff
Prof. Niyi. Olanipekun Adebisi – Professor of Hydrogeology, Engineering Geoscience, Remote Sensing and GIS Applications adebisi.niyi@oouagoiwoye.edu.ng Orcid ID: 0000-0002-0975-04031; Google Scholar Citations: 135; h-index: 7; i10-index: 5 (+234 7039133364, +234 8055607795) Office Rm. 001
Prof. Olateju Olatunji Bayewu – Professor of Applied Geophysics (Exploration,Hydro-geophysics, Environmental) bayewu.olateju@oouagoiwoye.edu.ng Orcid ID: 0000-0003-3922-0185 ; Google Scholar Citations: 445; h-index: 10; i10-index: 10 (+234 8057070285)
Prof. Stephen Oluwafemi Ariyo -Prof. Of Applied geophysics and Hydrogeophysics stephen.o.ariyo@oouagoiwoye.edu.ng Orcid ID: 0000-0002-8202-9418 ; Google Scholar Citations: 455; h-index: 13; i10-index: 16 (+234 7033439472)
Prof. Micheal Olumuyiwa Ajibade – Professor of Applied Geochemistry/Environmental Geology ajibade.olumuyiwa@oouagoiwoye.edu.ng Orcid ID: 0000-0001-8095-1583 ; Google Scholar Citations: 312; h-index: 12; i10-index: 13 (+234 8032195955)
Dr. Ganiyu Omotola Mosuro – Associate Professor (Reader) in Applied Geophysics mosuro.ganiyu@oouagoiwoye.edu.ng Orcid ID: 0000-0002-9249-3636; Google Scholar Citations: 495; h-index: 12; i10-index: 15 (+234 8055325919)
Dr. Olusegun Gbenga Olisa – (Lecturer I) Geochemistry/Economic Geology olusegun.olisa@oouagoiwoye.edu.ng Orcid ID: 0000-0001-8105-8754 ; Google Scholar Citations: 117; h-index: 6; i10-index: 5 (+234 8188178129)
Dr. Sunday Tanimola Olufemi – (Lecturer II) Engineering/Hydro/Environmental Geology olufemi.sunday@oouagoiwoye.edu.ng Orcid ID: 0009-0000-8091-095X ; Google Scholar Citations: 3 ; h-index:1; i10-index: 0 (+234 8060476248)
Dr. Sakirudeen Akinola Ishola – (Lecturer II) Hydrogeophysics, groundwater hydraulic, potential field investigations and nvironmental studies) ishola.sakirudeen@oouagoiwoye.edu.ng Orcid ID: 0000-0001-5797-2896; Google Scholar Citations: 5; h-index: 0; i10-index: 3 (+234 8166595080)
Dr. Segun Oluwole Ogunleye – (Lecturer II) Sedimentary and Petroleum Geology ogunleye.segun@oouagoiwoye.edu.ng Orcid ID: 0009-0007-5419-6503; Google Scholar Citations: 8; h-index: 1; i10-index: 0 (+234 8038524292)
Mr. David Aduralere Omotoso – (Assistant Lecturer) Petroleum Geology omotoso.david@oouagoiwoye.edu.ng Orcid ID: 0009-0004-9820-4024; Google Scholar Citations:0 ; h-index: 0; i10-index: 0 (+234 8032180838)
Non-Academic Staff
Mrs.Olufunmilola Kikelomo Awoyemi – Chief Secretarial Assistant awoyemi.olufunmilola@oouagoiwoye.edu.ng +234 8056506334
Mrs. Taiwo Omowunmi Oyebola – Clerical Officer II oyebola.taiwo@oouagoiwoye.edu.ng +234 7060628648
Technological Staff
Mr. Olalekan Olayiwola Oyebolu – Assistant Chief Technical Officer oyebolu.olalekan@oouagoiwoye.edu.ng Orcid ID: 0000-0001-9834-0772 (+234 8102008213)
Mr. Olugbenga Joshua Daramola – Technologist II olugbenga.daramola@oouagoiwoye.edu.ng Orcid ID: 0009-0008-8408-119X; (+234 8055204584)
Mr. Emmanuel Olusegun Odusanya – Laboratory Supervisor odusanya.olusegun@oouagoiwoye.edu.ng (+234 8053378545)
Mrs Yetunde Olubisi Adenuga – Assistant Laboratory Supervisor- adenuga.yetunde@oouagoiwoye.edu.ng (+234 7055326705)
Mrs. Kikelomo Toyin Anibaba- Assistant Laboratory Supervisor – anibaba.kikelomo@oouagoiwoye.edu.ng (+234 7035863417)
Contact Information
- Address: Department of Earth Science, OOU Main Campus.
- Email: earthsci.dept@oouagoiwoye.edu.ng
- Office Hours: Monday to Friday, 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM