The Vice-Chancellor of Delta State University (DELSU), Abraka, Prof. Samuel Ogheneovo Asagba, has commended Prof. James Chuks Egbai for using geophysical research to uncover the vast resources hidden beneath the earth’s surface.
Asagba gave the commendation during the university’s 122nd inaugural lecture, held at the 750 Lecture Theatre A, Site III of the university.
Speaking on the significance of the lecture, the Vice-Chancellor said Egbai’s research had provided valuable insights into the enormous natural resources beneath the earth that could contribute significantly to Nigeria’s economic growth and development.
He noted that the earth was endowed with abundant natural resources capable of transforming the Nigerian economy, adding that Egbai’s persistence and commitment to research had enabled him to investigate and reveal some of the planet’s concealed resources.
Delivering the inaugural lecture titled, “Discovering the Mysterious Earth Through Geophysical Exploration: A Catalyst for National Development,” Egbai, a Professor of Geophysics, described the earth as mysterious because of the invisible forces governing its behaviour.
He identified seismic waves, magnetic fields, gravitational anomalies and electrical conductivities as some of the phenomena that make the earth a subject of continuous scientific exploration.
According to him, the Primary Waves (P-Waves) and Secondary Waves (S-Waves) are particularly important to geophysicists because their study provides vital information about the earth’s hidden structures, density and elastic properties.
Egbai explained that geophysical exploration had contributed to the discovery of natural resources buried beneath the earth, stressing that such resources could serve as catalysts for national development.
He, however, warned that Nigeria’s overdependence on oil and gas was limiting the country’s ability to maximise the economic benefits of its vast mineral resources.
The don called for stronger collaboration among the mining industry, government agencies and academic institutions to ensure the profitable exploration and exploitation of Nigeria’s abundant mineral deposits.
The lecture featured the decoration of Egbai with the prestigious medal of inaugural lecturers by the Vice-Chancellor.
There was also a special musical rendition by the Department of Music, followed by photography sessions involving the inaugural lecturer, principal officers of the university, family members and friends.
Among dignitaries who attended the event were the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration), Prof. Edmund Aviedo Atakpo; Provost, Oleh Campus, Prof. Augustine Omoghaghare Atonuje; Registrar, Mrs Rufina Ufiofio, represented by Mr Emmanuel Okoro; Bursar, Mrs Otimeyin Ekakitie-Omajuwa, represented by Dr Frank Itiveh; and University Librarian, Dr Josephine Eruterio Onohwakpor.
Others included former Vice-Chancellor of DELSU, Prof. Victor Peretomode; former Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic), Prof. Ochuko Anomohanran; immediate past Provost of Oleh Campus, Prof. Elo Ibagere; immediate past University Librarian, Prof. Stephen Uwaifo; as well as provosts, deans, directors, professors, members of the DELSU College of Chaplains, students, family members and friends of the inaugural lecturer.
