Lessons from the Ibadan Explosion: The Relevance of Geoscience Education in Nigeria
Following the tragic explosion in Ibadan on January 16th, which garnered significant attention in Nigeria, Governor Seyi Makinde disclosed that the explosion resulted from explosives stored by illegal miners. This incident has prompted me to engage in a critical reflection on the current state of Geoscience education in Nigeria, particularly within higher education institutions.
In my capacity as a lecturer in the Geology Department of a Nigerian university, I have observed that numerous Geoscience students encounter challenges in comprehending the relevance of the discipline in the contemporary world. This predicament particularly affects students who lack interest in careers associated with the petroleum industry or the geophysics/engineering aspects of Geoscience.
It is crucial to recognise that Geoscience extends far beyond what is conventionally addressed in Nigerian classrooms. From climate change to environmental hazard management, geoanalytics, geopolitics, and more, the discipline significantly impacts diverse global aspects. The predominant focus on fields such as the petroleum industry can be attributed to historical context, but it is imperative for us to adapt to modern times.
During my tenure as a lecturer, I conducted a project which tasked students with exploring the contribution of Geology to global politics through the analysis of mineral resources. This project afforded them the opportunity to comprehend the trade connections among nations with substantial presence, production, and distribution of critical minerals, particularly those essential for the 4th industrial tech/AI revolution. Consequently, they acquired insight into geopolitics and comprehended the influence of mineral resources on global trends.
It is evident that Geoscience education in Nigeria necessitates broadening its horizons and transcending traditional career paths. Geoscience students should be encouraged to explore emerging industries and fields such as technology and global development. The Ibadan explosion serves as a poignant illustration of how Geoscience intersects with other disciplines such as public policy, environment, and health & safety.
This tragic event underscores the significance of policies and regulations governing the handling and use of explosives in mining activities. It underscores the need for Geoscience to intersect with other fields for the greater good of public safety and socioeconomic development.
In the 21st-century world, interdisciplinary approaches are imperative. Higher education students, particularly those in Geoscience, should be encouraged to identify intersections between their discipline and other relevant fields. The Ibadan explosion underscores the importance of exploring new career paths aligning Geoscience with developmental and socioeconomic issues.
As we progress, there is an increasing need for more geoscientists to focus on these vital intersections. Geoscience education in Nigeria must create opportunities for students to explore emerging career paths and interdisciplinary collaborations that will contribute to the betterment of society.
For 21st-century Geoscience students, the possibilities are boundless. It is crucial to continue exploring these intersections and embracing the diverse opportunities that the discipline has to offer.
The insights offered by Oluwatoyin, a Doctoral Researcher in STEM Education, Social Entrepreneur, and Policy Consultant, from Boston, United States, and Lagos, Nigeria, underscore the importance of adapting to the changing landscape of the discipline with expertise in Geoscience education and policy advocacy.
It is evident that the lessons derived from the Ibadan explosion have far-reaching implications for the higher education geoscience discipline in Nigeria. As we navigate the complexities of the modern world, the integration of Geoscience with multidisciplinary fields will undoubtedly shape the future of the discipline and contribute to the betterment of society.
