"'IGNORING OUR MINERAL WEALTH IS A NATIONAL RIS'K' PROF. DASPAN WARNS AT UNIJOS 117TH INAUGURAL LECTURE

Professor Raymond Ishaya Daspan, a distinguished Professor of Economic Geology and Environmental Geochemistry in the Department of Geology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of Jos, captivated members of the academic community, the diplomatic corps, political office holders, and the general public with the depth and significance of his research findings during the University of Jos 117th Inaugural Lecture.

The lecture, titled “Rocks, Resources, Risk: Geochemical Pathways to Mineral Exploration, Environmental Sustainability and Climate Resilience,” explored the Earth’s complex and interconnected systems and their continuous interactions across the lithosphere, hydrosphere, atmosphere, and biosphere. Through these interactions, he said the Earth reveals not only life-supporting elements but also economically valuable minerals that drive technological advancement and development.

Professor Daspan emphasized that rocks are far more than inert building blocks of the Earth. Rather, they are archives of the planet’s history, preserving chemical memories of the conditions under which they were formed. He noted, with a touch of scholarly humour, that while many professions dig for ideas, geologists quite literally dig for the future.

He further explained that mining is not merely a systematic enterprise but a highly specialized profession that plays a crucial role in national development.

Drawing the attention of his audience to the broader implications of mineral resources, Professor Daspan stressed the need to look beyond the immediate economic gains. According to him, minerals contribute not only to national revenue but also to technological innovation, industrial growth, and nation building.

He also underscored the importance of responsible mining practices, noting that mineral exploration and extraction must be carried out in ways that protect land, water resources, ecosystems, and human health.

In his welcome address, the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Jos, Professor Tanko Ishaya, commended Professor Daspan for his remarkable contributions to the development of the Department of Geology and the University at large.

Professor Ishaya challenged the Faculty of Natural Sciences, particularly the Department of Geology, to leverage Plateau State’s abundant mineral resources as well as Nigeria’s vast natural wealth to promote sustainable development. He emphasized that proper knowledge, research, and professional expertise are essential for harnessing these resources responsibly.

He further noted that the University of Jos is uniquely positioned on the mineral-rich Plateau, historically known as one of Nigeria’s major mining regions. This strategic location, he said, places a responsibility on the University’s scholars and professionals to deepen research, expand knowledge, and unlock the wealth-generation potential embedded within the nation’s natural resources.

One of the highlights of the event was a thought-provoking statement by Professor Daspan, who declared:

“A nation that is blind to the integrity of its resources and refuses to invest in research, resource exploration, and valuation is doomed.”

He called on professionals across disciplines to see themselves as collaborators in national development, rather than isolated experts working within narrow boundaries.

Professor Daspan also advocated stronger collaboration between geologists and medical professionals, particularly in addressing human health risks associated with mining activities, noting that science achieves its greatest impact when disciplines work together to solve real world problems.

The inaugural lecture served not only as a platform for academic reflection but also as a call to action for responsible resource management, interdisciplinary collaboration, and sustainable national development.

Tongdyen Dachung

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