Akwa Ibom State University (AKSU) Don, Prof. Nsikak Edet Bassey has highlighted his Geophysical contributions to Oil and Gas Exploration in Nigeria. He made this known while presenting the 6th Inaugural Lecture on the topic 'Conjunctive Geophysics' at the University Main Campus, Ikot Akpaden, Mkpat Enin Local Government Area Thursday, June 26, 2024. 

Prof. Bassey explained that having been on the Professorial Chair for eight years, he considered it a great privilege and honour to give account of his contributions to knowledge within the framework of his multidisciplinary sojourn and exploits, stating that he has attempted to establish competence, irrespective of limited resources and facilities in the areas of Geophysics and Structural Geology Tectonic.

According to Prof. Bassey, the Geology structure and tectonics of Hawal Basement Complex was largely unexplored on a regional scale but his contributions in Aeromagnetic studies, Landsat Imagery Studies and Ground Geological Studies opened the area up, an effort that has attracted many researchers to the large landmass of Basement rock which is known to harbour a lot of minerals such as cassiterite, columbite, manganese, magnesite, barites, kaolin, columbite.

Speaking on Petroleum Exploration, the Inaugural Lecturer advised that since hydrocarbon is a dwindling asset, there is need to move exploration frontiers to the deeper parts of Niger Delta which is the ocean wards, where the “big fish” may be found. He assured that his contributions through Magnetic studies in identification and mapping of Depo centers can go a long way in assisting the Exploration and Petroleum companies in achieving their goals, adding that the mapping of ocean continent crustal boundary in the Niger Delta would serve the same purpose. "In seeking for oil in Nigeria’s inland Basin, my work and fellow researchers in Gravity studies of the Gongola basin, has revealed variations in sedimentary thickness across the area and is of assistance to E and P companies.” He said. 

The Inaugural Lecturer mentioned other areas of interest to include: Mineral exploration, Ground water exploration and Environmental Geology. He noted that Aerial and Terrestrial Techniques and Conjunctive Geophysics of earth exploration have contributed and would further contribute to unearthing resources which will in turn aid National Development on hilly terrains. Prof. Bassey informed that his research in subsurface geologic models of Chibok magnetic profiles and models presented evidence of the horst-graben nature of Chibok as a rift zone, which led to the area being named 'NSIKAK RIFT VALLEY' after the Inaugural Lecturer, in honour of the work he did since 2004 and this is recorded as the first rift to be named after an African. He concluded by expressing gratitude to the Vice-Chancellor, the University Community, his Wife, Children, relatives and other contributors for the success of the event.

In his address, the Vice-Chancellor of Akwa Ibom State University, Prof. Nse. U. Essien noted that the theme of the lecture was very timely regarding the challenges in exploration of our God-given mineral resources, defining Geophysics as a versatile tool in understanding the earth’s dynamics and unraveling all the resources, which aid in predicting earthquakes, landslides, ground water exploration and in identifying archeological sites. "The ongoing energy transition is transforming the Global Economy from a Hydrocarbon Dependent System to a Mineral Intensive one. The global de-carbonisation shift has increased enormously the demand for minerals that are essential for Clean Technologies and Electric Vehicles (EuS) such as lithium, cabalt, Graphite, Capps, Aluminum and rear earth elements,” he emphasised. The Vice-Chancellor therefore called for fresh scientific ideas that will fully harness our rich natural resources. He appreciated the Inaugural Lecturer whom he expressed optimism in his pedigree, welcomed all the attendees while assuring them of insightful and interesting exposition.

Goodwill messages were given by: the Deputy Governor of Adamawa State, represented by the Dean, Faculty of Arts, AKSU, Dr. Iniobong Umotong; the Vice-Chancellor, Modibo Adama University, Yola, represented by Prof. Michael Akpan, University of Uyo; Dr. Ekere Akpan, Head of Surface, Savannah Energy Nigeria. Goodwill messages were also received from Urhobo Unity Association and Living Faith Church Worldwide. 

In a vote of thanks, the Registrar, Dr. Ebi G. Eno-Ibanga, FNIM, appreciated God Almighty for the success of the event, eulogised the Vice-Chancellor for initiating the Inaugural Lecture Series and the entire University Community for their immense support. She commended the Inaugural Lecturer for insightful discussion on Conjunctive Geophysics, describing his efforts as a statement of mastery in his field of endeavour.  She encouraged all attendees to get a copy of the lecture brochure for proper digest. She praised members of the Inaugural Lecturer’s family whose presence added significance to the event.

Prof. Bassey is a Professor of Geology and Geophysics in the Faculty of Physical Sciences; also the Director, Directorate of Research and Innovation, AKSU. His lecturing career spans 23 years across three Nigerian Universities, with 52 academic articles in referred journals and extensively published works on Nigeria Hawal Basement Complex in areas of Geophysics, Structural Geology/Tectonics and Remote Sensing. He has served in AKSU as: Dean, Faculty of Physical Sciences; Director, General Studies, Chairman, Sports Committee; Member, contingent to National Universities Staff Sports Association (NUSSA) competition, (FUTY, 2014, at Benin, AKSU 2018 at Ilorin) and several other positions in other Universities. He has served in more than 35 committees and sub-committees and is a member of several professional bodies. He is married to Deaconess Enaotune and the Union is blessed with two children. 

Present at the event were: Principal Officers; Professors; Deans of Faculties; Directors; Heads of Departments; other officials and members of the University Community; members of the Inaugural Lecturer's family; Urhobo Unity Association; invited guests and well wishers.