EXCLUSIVE WITH THE H.O.D

Never compare what God has for you with… Dr. O.G. BAYOWA

CREW: Sir, can you give us a brief bio about yourself?

HOD: Sure, I am Bayowa Oyelowo Gabriel. I was born in Ekiti; Ekiti west local government of Ekiti state. I spent my childhood days in Ibadan. I attended Methodist primary school 1, Bodija; also proceeded to Mt Olivet grammar school at Bodija. I got my first degree in Applied Geophysics in Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) in 1990.and later did my second degree (MSc) in 2004-2007 and PhD 2008-2012, I was awarded outstanding lecturer, 2013… And was promoted to acting Head of Department of Earth Sciences LAUTECH HOD August 1, 2014. I am married and blessed with lovely kids.

CREW: Why geophysics of all courses available to study Sir?

HOD: It is by fate; never compare your desire with what God has in stock for you. Just as man proposes, God disposes… You might be aiming at the tip of a Vulcan, you never can tell if God will take you beyond the sky. Back in my hay days, then with my peers we are used to compete and compare ourselves with one another… I was always with the mindset of studying medicine and made lots of runs for it…. To the glory of God I ended up in Geophysics after series of advices from elders and I have never for once regretted it.

CREW: Why lecturing, instead of other areas of expertise in the field of geosciences? Why not the coveted Oil and Gas?

HOD: The truth is a larger percentage people into geosciences aim the oil industry,” Predestiny is the key factor”.  I wouldn’t because of this encourage being lackadaisical, opportunities might come while struggling for it, but geosciences is quite wide and there are lot more sectors one can specialize; hydrogeology, environmental, solid minerals and so on.

Lecturing to say is what I think I have ordained for and I have never seen it as a mistake… so far, it has been easy as a result of the in-built skills in me and experience gathered after attaining my first degree.

CREW: What are the challenges you have encountered in life that has been most memorable?

HOD: Challenges! Though it’s no mistake for me getting to where I have gotten too, “it has been tough and rough”. Right from teens, I have been living independently with no support, only that I have had to take care i.e. cater for their wellbeing of my sibling even as an undergraduates.  I did it with God being my strength because I believe it’s my life and I have to live it. God has given me the courage to strife through attaining BSc, MSc, and later and most recent PhD.

 Some of the challenges I encountered was that of finances and the struggle to study but God has always been my comforter and do send helpers to me. Towards the end of my master’s degree was quite tough financially, but my supervisor then was the God divine helper HE made available to me then, I thank God for my life.

CREW: How do you combine work with your responsibility as a family man?

First of all, I will appreciate my wife as regards that question of yours; having a good wife is an endowment to a man though it’s rare, you have to pray to God for a good wife as a young bachelor; it goes a long way. Coping with my job, having a family has been God strengthening me, I mean with energy having co-operating wife is a plus.

CREW: Sir, will like you to help with telling us a brief history about these department; Earth Sciences, LAUTECH?

HOD: Though young but graceful department of Earth sciences was established in 2004. Among the members of staff who pioneered it who were from the department of pure and applied physics are Dr. Adabanija M.A., Dr. Akinlabi I.A. Others include Mr Afolabi O.A, and Mr. Kolawole L.L. The department had got accreditation twice in the past and now we are due for it again. The first set of students graduated were nineteen in number in the year 2009 among which are distinguished products like; Adeola Adeleke who owns a geosciences company (petrozenith), Oyeniran Tobi works with Danvic concepts, Ogunyemi Seye who works with Schlumberger and Adewunmi Adeniyi now a lecturer at Achievers’ University and many more.

 CREW: Prospects of the department?

Earth sciences is of high prospects as its rate of achieving is quite interesting compared to other departments in the school despite being young. For me you may not agree with me; but this department is number one especially when we tend to achieve in the nearest future. Very soon you will see the evidence, because we are going to bring a lot of development to this department.
One of which, we have promises from Oil Industries of building standard infrastructures and work stations, and soon materialize. Also new departments in house will soon be established. We also have plans with TEFT to upgrade the standard of this department.  Just keep your fingers crossed

CREW: Your advice to students Sir?

HOD: To students, I will encourage them to be focused, get dedicated , avoid distractions and never let the baton down until you achieve your goal. Be confidence of who you are,  believe in yourself and then there is hope and your future gets bright.

  

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FACE OF THE WEEK

CREW: Thanks for giving us your time. Starting with getting to know you. May we meet you?
Michael: My Name is Fabunmi Micheal Akinniyi. I am the first born of my family. 8th October that's my birth date. I was born in the north Jos to be precise; that is where I grew up before I came over here for my University education.  I am an indigene of Ogbomoso, Oyo state. I am currently a 500Level student of geophysics.

CREW: Did you settle for LAUTECH because you are an indigene of Oyo state?
Michael: No! Not all. Well at first I wanted to study Electrical $ electronics Engineering and couple with the insurgence in the North, it gave me a rethink of studying over there. So in my options of Universities I considered for studies were OAU, LAUTECH AND UNILORIN. but then I settled for LAUTECH, however I wasn't given Electrical as I wanted; but I know I wouldn't have survived if I was there. I was admitted into Earth Sciences which was my second choice.

CREW: How has being your experience so far on LAUTECH Campus.
Michael: So far, I would say my experience in LAUTECH has been the good, the bad, and the ugly [laughs], there have being times that it has been all rosy and there are times when it has been really rough and pacy, but I think that's what makes life worth living. There are times you collect your result, and you are like_ What! And there other times when you collect your result and you like_ YES, because you did well. The department is very good, and very interesting, against what is popularly said about the department, that it is very difficult. I have enjoyed every bits of moments I have spent in this department. Although it has being challenging but then it’s being worth it.

CREW: Have you had any embarrassing moment on your stay in LAUTECH.
Michael: It happen one semester when our previous semester’s results was release and then it used to be pasted on the notice board. I got there and what I saw of my result; it was bad, I was really downcast. I was like jeez! is this me. It’s not that it was really bad but it wasn't what I expected. But I lived past it and moved on.

CREW: What has being your motivation even at terrible experiences?
Michael: I am an optimist. I’ve always believed you shouldn't settle for your present situation, there is always room at the top to do better and there are opportunities out there. Secondly, it is not over until it is over. The driving factor has being that despite the fact that others are not doing well, there are still some fellows that are doing well, so if they can then I can. And of course advice from senior friends, friends, colleagues. Get me right, your result is important but it is not as important as what you have upstairs and what you can do in real life situation. Are you just cramming or gaining knowledge? But if you have both; a good result and in-depth understanding of your course, then every door is open.

CREW:  While on Industrial Training, how was the experience like?
Michael: Whoa! I got my IT placement very early, like 9 months before time. I had it in a Chinese company who are into the seismic acquisition and field remote sensing. It was really challenging, I had to learn how to relate with this Chinese people; I mean their English was like Chinese. I had to learn how to say some words in Chinese, like; good morning, it’s time for lunch... I tried my best in living a good impression while I was there because I believe in that a lot. I really gained. It’s one experience I won’t forget. It gave me a good orientation about the outside world. The IT I had gave memore knowledge about seismic, because I like seismic a lot

CREW: If you were in a different department would you have done better?
Michael: Done better? It depends on where you are coming from. I will say yes and no. Yes, if you meant having a better result. But if you mean doing what you love and where your passion lies, No.

CREW: there is a notion that if you’re in Earth sciences as a student, then you are in Hell. What you do think of this.

Michael: Earth Science is not Hell fire. To me it just a notion that while you are in this department, you are going to have very tasking period which would be worth it. It’s related to the condition gold has to pass through. It has to pass through fire for it to become that shining gemstone. Hell fire is just a notion that implies that you’re going to work seriously, you are going to have strenuous period that at the end will be worth it.

CREW: What advice can you give to students on having a balanced life as regards to academics, social life and every aspect?

Michael: Definitely! Because that’s a mistake so many students make. I am someone who is an advocate of living a balanced life. It good to be balanced in your academics and your social life. But don't make one suffer for another. Yeah, the department might take a lot of your time but then you have 24 hours. Learn to meet people, and converse with people of higher level or have more experience, and make sure you read when you are supposed to read, because primary assignment in LAUTECH is your academics. Learn to respect people especially your lecturers; learn to approach them with good manners.

CREW: You know many of us have solemn dream of working in an Oil company. But for you what are you looking forward to in the labour market when you graduate.
Michael: Yeah! You know everyone wants to work in an oil company. It is the truth because they are the high paying company around. But I am not one who is hell bent on working in an Oil company. There are other people doing great outside working in an oil company; some people are making cool cash from ornament knowing fully well that Nigeria is blessed with so many natural resources and minerals. And there are no restriction from the Nigerian government from mining certain ore in Nigeria, so far you are registered with COMEG, NMGS et al. I am keeping my fingers crossed. I will advocate for entrepreneurship, being your own master. Running and managing your own business.  As much as I like to work in an Oil company but at least while you are working there, you can gather resources for you to establish your own business.

CREW: How was growing up for you like?
Michael: I’ve lived in three geopolitical zones. The North, the South (I was there during my IT) and here in the west. The way of life in these region is very different. It is being really fun.  The North is very interesting place to live in (JOS where I grew up, really a cold place). It has being like trying to adapt to every situation I find myself, all through from childhood.

CREW: Do you have any special moment all through your life time

Michael: hmmm. I have had a lot of special moments, some of which I can remember and some that I can’t remember right now. My IT will definitely be part of it. Some are those in this department i.e. our field trips, those were really special moments. Another one which is a sad one was when I had a terrible auto accident; I can’t forget that. These are few moments I can remember

Contd on Pg 8

Michael: I have so many hobbies, there are some I don’t even know if I should call them hobbies. I love singing, I love swimming which I learnt during my IT. I used to be water phobic but when I learnt it during my IT and it became a hobby for me. I am a sport person, love playing basketball. I might not be able to play football that well but I love watching football; I love to be the coach right from my seat even though I can do much of what they are playing. So I love singing, dancing, playing basketball and watching football.

CREW: what kind of genre of music do you like? Is it Apala or Fugi [all laughs]

Michael: I am open to any music. However I don't like noisy music. I am big fan of blues and rock with preference to bands like VIVA LA VIDA…

CREW: What is your best color/food?

Michael: Best color, Blue. Best food, hmmm - anything made with Yam. I just fell in love with yam.

CREW: Since your best color is sky blue, could we assume you are Chelsea fan?

Michael: Hell no! I am a Manchester United fan. You know United and Chelsea fans don't like each other.

CREW: Do you a best course that you love so much?

Michael: Yeah. I like AGP 306 a lot (Seismic Refraction). I just like the whole concept of the course, trying to model what's on the subsurface.

CREW: Your Philosophy in life?

Michael: Try to live a positive impact on whoever you meet in life. This what I try to do most of the time. It might just be as little as making the person laugh but just live a positive impact in the person's life.

CREW: It was really nice talking with you. Thanks for giving us your time.

Michael: Oh! You’re welcome.

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Why Geosciences II...

Understanding geology can help us lessen or prevent damages to the environment-just as it can be used to find the resources in the first place. Another instance is the problemsi nvolving petroleum illustrate this and that is why oil companies employ geoscientists of varying fields of geology, geophysics, geochemistry etc to discover new oil fields, seeing to the maintenance of the present ones, seeing to enhance its usage to improving science and technology. While the public and government depend on geoscientists to assess the potential environmental impact of petroleum’s removal from the ground.

In Nigeria today, we’ve become the hot cake in the labour market  (if taught to the world’s demanding standard) in that, Nigeria as a country greatly depends on Oil to enrich the country and in this, they need us to put them alright because

“it sucks our profession if the government exports the natural crude overseas to be refined and then import just oil and  the needed natural gas. And i keep asking, where are the heavy oils, and the so-called waste that can be engineered to manufacture and produce economical materials like wax for candle, or  plastic etc.”

---said in a NAPE technical meeting.

Why geosciences? I ask myself-the awesome energy released by an earthquake or volcano etc is a product of forces within the Earth that  moves from a rock, and geoscientifcal studies let us delineate that.  Putting it in another way, “the study of how the Earth  works”—Prof  Charle  C. Plummer.  It is a uinquely human trait to want to understand the world around us. Most of us find or get satisfaction from understanding our culture, human ways of reasoning, family histories, how government works or does not work, some are into music and art which help link our feelings to that which we have discovered through our life. The natural science involve understanding the physical and biological universe in which we live. Most scientists get great satisfaction from their work because, besides gaining greater knowlegde or scaling through ladders of titles or financial increase from what has been dicovered from scientist before them, they can find new truths about the world around them (-ref. From Prof Charles Plummer). For instance, with our basic understanding in geology, you wouldn’t call an oil spillage into your well as a potential oil filed (lols) or profligate resources like watching how water waste from pumping to house-hold tanks or become comfortable with exhaust air pollution because the Lead gas is fascinating to inhale (lols), the list goes on and on.

Geoscience field encompasses a broad spectrum of disciplines as stated in the last publication, however, some are financially lucrative; others may be less so but i bet, they are more satisfying and these is a little of the the iceberg-benefit she calls out for us. Few areas of geology like petroleum, mining, hydro, environmental, planetary, marine, health (newly discovered), instrumentation, volcanology, glacialogy, engineering, paleontology, even education whilst geophysics study geology in the physics look of it, digging deeper to interpreting physically measured quantity to enhance precise geology.

Its popularly said that “whatever must bring us benefit or that must benefit us must be cost-effective or better still, must be worked for in it worthful-cost”. If the fileds in geosciences must be of benefit to us, it means we input our work as the cost bids us or that our input of work as it cost us must be well administered, knowledgably (-emphases). Aside the passion and personal self-motivation that should keep gearing individual in the course of five years as most of us enjoy reading, thinking, group working, networking (socialising), researching, experimenting, hiking, climbing, adventures or other outdoor activities, certain sacrifices of time, money, socials, health must be laid down to enjoy her benefits afterwards. It would be  well established for those persons that LAUTECH administration decided their fate, to bring up these required passions and self-motivation, to tap into the benefits studying geology or geophysics brings. Let me say, geosciences has many untapped world of riches, fame, worthfullness, knowledge, experience, titles, etc to offer every individual and no two persons can rock the same benefit or metamorphose the same benefits or can tap all benefit at a go; as it were, it is so numerous that as you tap yours, you leave few for posterity sake.

Beyond the weekly publications that would hence major on the “benefit it brings you”, your personal observation and wit to quickly un-luck for yourself, the untapped world of benefits from geosciences. This would be a personal requirement which cannot be instilled on an individual by another.

Before highlighting certain benefits, lets briefly digress to the work input on the cost-effectiveness that brings the benefit as it were from the four-walls of LAUTECH whilst in Lautech.

“welcome to hell-fire” was one of the famous four words phrase that grew famous; a phrase that would set “ladies” and “gentlemen” shaking or STOP (Stop, Think, Observe and Plan); a phrase said on our (my) orientation day and no attendee will make a light of it after (just) three-semesters especially in a great citadel of learning, Earthscience Lautech. However, if you must hunt for the benefit that the  world of geosciences offers you, then one must be sure to ask oneself;

-“ Do I choose to experience burning in the fire or experience a/c-cooling effect in the fire as every admission letter welcomes you to hell-fire....”

-will you choose to be burnt and battered (though alive) after five years or be built and well learned instead.  The second beautiful thing about the benefit geoscience has to offer you is that you can either benefit negetively or positively; negetive because when the fire burns you semester upon semester especially to ashes, except for your Creator’s intervention (-emphases), such fellow wouldn’t stand tall among his/her peers in the outside world as he/she desires, which bring about the case were second-class lower guaduate are screened many times in the labour market even though some are of high IQ and intellectual (emphases). However, how beautiful would it be (for a start) to have been built not burnt in the  fire.

So. It requires your early and ultimate S.T.O.P. (ref. Mr Afolabi ); (S) stop for a while; weigh your ability, your work-load, capacity and the cost; build the passion and required qualities; stop to (T) think-get your head and mind working; engage it as required, books wouldnt bite; knowledge adds to you-you get a little beat influenced by  who informs you. (O) observe-observe how things go around here ( not after battered semesters); observe each lecture-classes, lecturers, marking pattern, and how questions are answered for individual lecturers; get the right info about the geosciences-ask around (from good people anyway) and then, (P) plan- plan to pray; plan to strategise, workout a road-map of what you need and want and work it out (also in prayer as perculiar to your religion); and as you continue in the struggle, always re-strategise when stabbed or change formation as you face new semester-match (lols).

Now, after all said and done, examine the few things that the benefits will cost you, then, look at the benefits that geosciences brings to you.

(to be cont.)

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GEOLOGY OF NIGERIA

Geology of Nigeria consists three major litho-petrological components namely; the basement complex, younger granites and the sedimentary basins.

The basement as well as the younger granites are hard rocks while the sedimentary basins comprises of soft rocks. Basement complex differs from younger granites in age, gneiss, petrologically and structurally. Basement; pan-African of about 600 million years and older precambriam beyond 600million years; produced by orogenically by a series of tectonic episodes i.e the pan- African, kibaran, eburnean, and Liberian. Petrologically, basement complex comprises of migmatite-gneiss complex, schist belts such as the Kusheriki, Karaukarau, Kazaure, Maru, Anka, Zuru, Iseyin-oyan river schist, Ilesa, Igarra schist belts, Pan-African granitoids and Undeformed acid and basic dykes.

Kibaran named after Kibara Mountains of eastern Zaire now Democratic Republic of Congo of 1300-900 million years. Pan-African of about 600 million year probably represented in northern Nigeria schist belts only.

Younger granites as was introduced by falconer (1911) to distinguish high level, discordant tin-bearing granites of northern Nigeria (younger granites) from deep seated, often concordant or semi-concordant granites the basement complex.

Younger granites are of the Jurassic age, anorogenic in origin, and petrologically comprises of ring complexes of;

Peralkaline granites and ferrorichterite- arfvedsonite granites, ferrodenite to ferroactinolite syenite.

Peraluminous biotite alkali feldspar granites and biotite syenogranites.

Metaluminous fayalite and hornblende- bearing granites and porphyries.

The ring complexes include; Birnin kudu, Zaranda, Mada, Sara-fier, Jos bukuru, Afu, Nok, Kagoro, Kigon, Rishua, Kudara, Amo and so on.

Basement Complex outcrops: 30 km north of Bauchi on the Bauchi – kari road. Basement

Complex rocks are generally low lying and concordant in contrast to the cross-cutting, discordant, and steeply occurring hilly outcrops in the form of ring dykes and cone sheets in the Younger Granites

To be contd.

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EARTHQUAKES NEAR ICELAND VOLCANO ‘BIGGEST FELT IN YEARS’

People in Iceland have been warned to be “on their toes” as fears grow of another major volcanic eruption in the country.

Vidir Reynisson, department manager at the Civil Protection Agency in Iceland, said the latest round of earthquakes had been the most intense for many years.

The Bardarbunga Volcano is situated beneath the Vatnajokull Credit Reuters.

 Speaking to a local TV station, Mr Reynisson said “The reason we are reacting in this way is that this one (round of quakes) is bigger and more powerful than we have seen in a long time in this area. The Vatnajokull glacier area has shown in recent years that it is very active and scientists have told us that we are going into a very active period with regards to eruptions in this area so there is good reason to be on your toes and follow this very closely.

There has been seismic activities recorded for days at the Bardarbunga volcano, which is situated beneath the Vatnajokull glacier, including movement of magma just 10km below the surface.

SOURCE – WWW.ITV.COM

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WHY GEOLOGISTS TASTED 2.6 BILLION YEAR-OLD WATER

One and half miles beneath the surface of the Earth in a Canadian mine, researchers have found pockets of water in rocks that have been isolated from the surface for some two billion years.

The chemistry of the water could support life, the team reports today in the journal, Nature supporting water might also lie in similar kinds of rocks deep beneath the surface of mars.

Because the water was trapped at a time when Earth was very different than it is today, the new findings also lend insight into the evolution of the early atmosphere and the habitability of the deep Earth. Until now, the oldest underground water dated back just tens of millions of years.

Barbara Sherwood Lollar  a geologist in the department of Earth Sciences at the University of Toronto and collaborated with other researches on analyzing water found in a Canadian mine in Timmins, Ontario. They published the findings showing that the water is between 1.5 and 2.6 billion years old -- meaning It has been totally isolated for long

Lollar dipped the tip of her finger in this water and tested it with her tongue. She found the ancient sample “very salty and bitter – much saltier than seawater.”

 “If you’re a good geologist who worked with a lot of rocks you’ve probably licked a lot of rocks,” She said.

It takes more than a taste to figure out how old water is however “we can get a sense of antiquity by looking at things like salinity of the water and more particularly, looking at the oxygen and hydrogen in the water molecule itself,” She said.

For more details follow this link: www.cnn.com/2013/06/21/world/americas/ancient-water-tasting

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IMPORTANT NOTICE!!!!

This is to notify the Students concerning the following tests:

AGY 505: 8-9 am, Thursday 28th August 2014

AGY 411: 9-10 am, Thursday 28th August 2014

AGY 309: 10-11 am, Thursday 28th August 2014

Please do good to spread the news.

Thank you.

Lecturer in charge

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100 Level Orientation

   100 Level Orientation

The Department of Earth Sciences LAUTECH, heartily invite most especially 100 level students to the Orientation program this Monday 25th August, 2014 1 pm at the department laboratory.

The program is aimed at bringing your minds abreast with rudiment of the course geosciences, its opportunities; preparing your minds in terms of attitude and character as a Student in LAUTECH etc.

We enjourn you to make yourself available, because it promises to be a benefit for you

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FACE OF THE WEEK

REX: thanks for giving me your time. Can you start up by telling a brief bio about yourself?Ishola: Ok thanks. Well my name is Israel Sola… born in the month of October; from a family of Seven (parents excluded), I’m the sixth born. I opt in to study in LAUTECH for the course geology. I’m glad I am in LAUTECH. Basically I like to make friends; I make sure I meet new people every day, whatever gender and level. Talking goes a long way. I try also to relate with lecturers [laughs]Rex: so why Geology, why not any other course?Sola: Basically, I wanted to study Petroleum engineering. But I didn’t study further Mathematics in my O-Levels. I picked LAUTECH since UNILAG wasn't offering geology then and been that my brother then was schooling here and couple of my cousins; because I’m an indigene of Ogbomoso.Rex: Now that you are a finalist, how has being your journey through LAUTECH so far?Sola: Ahn!  You know [laughs] before you start anything, I believe you have to commit it into God’s hands. While I was about to resume school for 100 Level, I told God what I wanted; that I don’t any cause to retake any course or rewrite any. And thus far God has answered my prayers. I’ll say it’s just being God’s grace all throughRex: Is there any special moment you’ve had in LAUTECH that will forever stay in your memory?Sola: Ah that would be times we went on field trips. My Industrial Training, (I mean LAUTECH gave that platform in that aspect) those are moment I cherish a lot. Because I did internship at two different companies. The first at a Mining Company and at Exxon Mobil.Rex: Talking of IT. How was the experience for you?Sola: It was great, really remarkable. I can‘t forget those times. I spent six months working at the mining company; working with other employees, got opportunities going to some of their mining sites, went several places (Abuja, Niger…) those were wonderful experiences for me. There were times I spent weeks in mining sites, it was so intense. I got to learn a lot, practical things! Mining is great. Then Exxon Mobil was like a dream come true. I wrote their exam last year May before our harmattan semester’s exam. I didn't get any call from them until December. When they called, they were like, ‘Whoa! You did well in our exam and that they would like me to come work with them as an intern. For me it was not just about the internship but for me to have written an exam of such caliber and passed; it’s just psychological! Because about six of my course mates in this department also wrote that same exam with me and I was the only one who got a call from them, it means a lot to me. At Exxon, I learnt, met people with fabulous personality even from different nationality; France, UK… Their staffs were willing to mentor me, the manager would come to my office and take me through things that I needed to know, do and take cognizant of in our field. On week when I was rounding up my internship at Exxon, I gave a power point presentation on The Niger delta before the board; the managers even whites. It was a splendid time for me.Rex: With these experience of yours by the virtue of internship. What would be your advice to the 400 Level that are seeking for internship in their dream company?Sola: What I would simply say is don’t be in a rush i.e.  The pressure that comes with securing placement, just calm down.  What they essentially need is to brush their English, mathematics, general knowledge, basic chemistry and physics… They should also be ready to submit letter and in time, don’t be banking on one of your uncle that will help you. Send application letter to several companies, just keep trying, there is no harm in trying. Rex: What’s your view about the field of geosciences?Sola: I would say the field of geosciences is slim. It is a nice course though, don’t get me wrong but it’s really slim. A manager of Exxon Mobil once told me that He’d never let His child study any Geosciences Course, reason being that it is a really slim field. While I was still at Exxon, the recruiting officer had a task of recruiting eight (8) people. And guess how many applied? 10, 000 people. This 10, 000 are not only Nigerians but also applicants from other countries, you know Exxon Mobil is a multi-international company. The competetion is really stiff. Rex: So what will be your advice to students especially the 100 & 200 Level students in particular?Sola: Basically, my advice will be, Read! [Laughs]. It not just reading but also knowing what you are being taught. You could have the best result but you should have full grabs of what you are taught. Don’t get me wrong, having a good result is good, it’s also a criteria for securing a good job. Read wide and learn to socialise (relating with people), that is why you are in a university, it is universal. You could get booted out of company if you aren’t good in socailising.Rex: On a lighter note now. What are your hobbies?Sola: I love playing football, basketball. Generally, I love sports a lot. I love to read and socialise with people (making friends), I mean that’s like a hobby for me.Rex: Since you love sport especially football. What’s your favourite football club?Sola: Oh! Real MadridRex: Basketball?Sola: I love the Miami Heat. I love Lebron James a lot.Rex: You said you love reading, so if you’re not reading your academic note, what could some find you reading?Sola: Comedy novels. You know you can hardly see me read outside, I read right inside my room. So inside my room, I get to read the Bible a lot.Rex: Best colour and food?Sola: I love white. And as for my best meal that would be ‘Pap, milk and bread’.Rex: You eat them all Together?!Sola: Yeah!Rex: whao! Thanks a lot once for sparing me your time.Sola: You welcome. 

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Shell start oil production from Bonga North West of Nigeria

Royal Dutch Shell PLC reported the start of oil production from the first well in Bonga, North West of Nigeria, deep water development, drilled in room of water offshore Nigeria. The area which is being operated by Shell Nigeria Exploration & Production Co ltd (SNEPCo). The development is expected at peak production to contribute 40, 000 boe/d to the Bonga development.
Sources: www.orgj.com/articles/2014/08/shell-satrts-oil-production-from-bonga-north-west-off-Nigeria

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THE GATHERING OF ARISTOCRATS, CONGRESS!

The much awaited and anticipated NMGS student congress, the first for this section/tenure (2013/1024) was held on the 6^th of August, 2014 at the department of Earth Sciences by 12:10pm.

One constant thing in life is change and change has also being recorded in the administration of this department, as we now have a new HOD in person of Dr O.G. Bayowa. Mrs A.O. Adewoye, who some days ago passed the baton as Head of Department to the new HOD opened the floor by giving her farewell speech (which after the opening prayer) which appeared to be a motherly advice to the whole student.

As the meeting progressed, the NMGS advisor Mr O.A. Afolabi came up next to address the congress. His ever captivating and articulate way of speaking took the meeting into a different swing. He suggested that the decision made at the last congress last section wherewith the Mr Christopher was impeached from office be revisited. It was decided that voting be done on whether he be reinstated or not. After voting was done, 35 students voted the affirmative, while 3 voted negative and 37 students stayed neutral. So by the virtue of the votes, the decision to the congress last tenure to impeach Mr Christopher was formally rescinded.    

Mr Taiye Owate who spoke on behalf of the NMGS CEC did address the students. He discussed the plans the CEC have for this tenure and he further apply to this effect that students should pay up their dues.

It was now time for the current HOD of Earth Sciences to give his official address to the whole students. He highlight in his speech the department administration’s ongoing bid for the department’s accreditation which was making good progress. He also advise that students prepare their minds on embarking on field trips immediately after the Harmattan semester examination. The students will also be paying a fee as regards the field trip which would cover their transportation and accommodation.

Dr Bayowa also stressed the importance of 400 Level students taking their IT serious because it is a platform for them to learn and gain experience for their course of study, now that the University administration has change the SIWES programme from a 4 unit course to 6 unit. He concluded by advising the students to take their studies serious and ensure that when reading they read to understand, and as well as ensuring they adhere to simple exam instruction because it is one thing to read for an exam and it yet another to know how to write an exam properly.

The NMGS editorial crew took the floor to unveil the NMGS mini website (blog). The NMGS PRO (Ariyo Oluwafemi) who anchored the segment gave detailed explanation about the blog and how it would be run. The web address is www.nmgslautech.blogspot.com. 

After further time spent on questions and answer, the meeting was adjourned by the now former President Mr Christopher Ola which was seconded by a 200 

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THE MENACE OF WATER POLLUTION IN NIGERIA

          Water! As many would say, is Life. But this ideology is no gainsaying because water virtually forms intricate part of our everyday living. There is hardly any processes (biological, medical, chemical, agriculture, etc), activities that humanity carries out on earth without the involvement of water. I wonder what will be the fate of living creatures if water ceases from the earth. The earth as whole and everything that makes up the earth, water amasses over 70% of its volume. It means for fact “water has no enemy”. I guess we could assume that the life cycle and the water cycle are one.

        Man has been privileged with the responsibility of replenishing the Earth, subduing it, and making it a better place. But in this part of our world (Africa, Nigeria), it is like we are living in the opposite. With the vast volume of water on the Earth surface, only 3% of earth’s surface water are fresh water. A Slovakian Proverb say, ‘Pure Water is the world’s first and foremost medicine’. One of the key to a good healthy life and longevity is assess and usage of clean fresh water. Here in Nigeria, the rate at which water pollution is on the rise is not farfetched. Today many of the epidemic that has and is troubling the lives and health of the Nigerians are caused mainly by exposure to bad or unclean water. 

      Cholera for example, has claimed the lives of scores of thousands of Nigerians since its first breakout in 1991 which according to WHO statistics, 7,654 people died in that year (1991).

      Also, statistics has shown that more than 3.4 million people die each year from water, poor sanitation and bad hygiene. Nearly 99% of this cases occur in the third world countries. Sources also confirm that about 1.5 million people die of Diarrhoea every year, which is caused by drinking contaminated water, with about 1.4 million of these death involving children. Other diseases such as Hepatitis, Typhoid fever, Dysentery, Polio, Fluorosis, Guinea Worm, Malaria et al.

         The causes of our contaminated water are easily to be identified, though they are numerous couple with the fact that our Government doesn't have any structure programme to curb this menace wherewith many industries could dispose their industrial waste any how/where they like with no form of restriction. Even the commoners’ falls short. No one is checked on how he dumps his/her refuse. Some of other major of water contaminant such as; oil spills, pesticide and fertilizers sewage and waste water etc. affects the soil causing distortion in agricultural produce; some are even washed of during the rainy season to large water bodies killing sea animals. Places like the Niger Delta where many places have been hit by oil spillage, bringing to a halt so many means of livelihood.

 Even groundwater doesn’t seem all that exempted because many of this contaminant infiltrate into the water table as leachates. It’s also been discovered that some shallow groundwater are being affected by leachates from abattoirs sites in Ibadan area.The dangers water pollution pose to our society is alarming. Proper hygiene and cleaniness is key.

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Nigeria loses $2Billion yearly to Gas Flaring

                The oil and gas sector is reputed to be major contributor to the Nigeria’s economy but in spite the enormous revenue made from the oil sector; it appears to be a notorious canker worm to the progress of the Nigerian society owing to the diverse problems it presents or dear country.
 ‘Nigeria loses about $2 Billion to gas flaring annually which is an economic crime committed by the oil companies involved in  flaring’  said Mr Nnimmo Bassey, an environmentalist at the National conference on Saturday, 19^th July, 2014.
                  According to the News Agency Nigeria (NAN) explained that the flared gases also had a negative impact on the health of people the area, especially the prevalent of terminal diseases.
in case you might be oblivious of the meaning of what Gas flaring is you could check the write-up on this bulletin about gas flaring.

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NIGERIA Tops Oil and Gas theft League

             A report confirms that Nigeria tops the oil theft league table for the world. With an estimated 400,000 barrels of oil lost to oil lost to oil theft everyday. Nigeria is ahead of Mexico, Iraq, Russia and Indonesia according to oilprice.com. the oil price website point out that that the staggering level of theft in Nigeria (which equates about $1.7 billion monthly loss) represent about7.7% of Nigeria’s GDP.
                   In spite of the worldwide condemnation of the staggering level of oil theft in Nigeria, the government appears not to have either the will or power to stop the illegal operation. It is obviously a hard battle to fight given the kinds of returns the oil thieves are getting from their illicit activities. Some members of the Join Task Force(JTF) who are meant to curb this menace are been accused of being I  cahoot with the “princes and principalities”
To get a full gist of this story you can check this link: www.nigeriaoilandgasintelligence.com/nigeria-top-world-oil-theft-league-table”

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AIDS is real!

The taste of it

I have licked tongue in lust

I have clothed a body in the height of emotion

I have touched the third leg of him to arouse emotion

I unveiled my two upper balls to gain attention

I went to the extreme to make him mine

I know the taste of it

I know the colour of it

Because I have felt the heat of it

I have been in it

And yes,

I will not deny it

It is a thirst I dare not quench

It is a stream I dare not dry

For it brought out the animal in me

 First time I felt pain when my silk was torn

Second time I felt the pleasure because my hole has been widened

To be keen

It refreshes my skin

For it was skin to skin

We had it at the peak of emotion

We clothed each other with flesh

We lost the memory of warnings

And wrote the story of feelings

Feelings that passes like season

Oh! We lost our health to lust

We buried our future in the pleasure of it

We had the taste of it

We naked ourselves to its pleasure

 Unknown to us that it’s the closure of our future

We aided ourselves to get AIDS

If, if and if only

If only the third leg was coated

If only the private hole was rapped

Maybe I wouldn’t be down with AIDS

But until I got it I never knew

If you are allergic to abstinence

Then take the condom and sieve it

Sieve it before you taste it

Rap it, Coat it

Save a life, save your future

Because AIDS is real, as real as death

AIDS is real, protect yourself 

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