The Department of Geology and Gemology, University of Abuja, on Saturday 4th July commissioned a new Digital Geoscience Laboratory and hosted the on-site launch of the Geological Society of Nigeria’s (GSN) GeoPro Professionalization Pathway Programme, becoming the first university in the country selected to implement it.
The laboratory, established through NITDA’s Digital Learning Centre initiative, was secured after the department won the Geologize London Training Licence in Geocommunication in 2025, beating 55 universities worldwide. It is the first digital learning facility of its kind at the university.
Founded in 2023, the department has built a record of firsts: the first undergraduate Geology and Gemology programme in Africa, the first UNESCO Chair of the IGGP National Committee in Nigeria, the first Nigerian university to teach Geoheritage and Geodiversity, and the first university globally to sign an MoU with the UNESCO Chair on Geoheritage and Geoconservation at the University of Minho, Portugal. It has also passed NUC and COMEG resource verification exercises, gained Interim Status in its first NUC accreditation, and signed MoUs with the Nigerian Geological Survey Agency and the Gemological Institute of Nigeria.
The Vice Chancellor, Prof Hakeem Babatunde Fawehinmi represented by the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Administration), Prof. Mohammed Ndagi, thanked NITDA for the facility and pledged the university’s commitment to sustaining it and deepening future collaboration in digital technology. He noted that despite its location in the FCT, the university needs to do more to reach out to industry and government agencies for similar partnerships. the Dean of Faculty of Physical Science Prof Mary Durojaiye represented by the HOD of Physics Dr Medina Umar welcomes this facility as an additional laboratory in the faculty for teaching and research.
The Director General of NITDA Mallam Kashifu Inuwa represented by Director Project Management Department Dr Muhammad Onimisi Yahaya who handed over the facility encouraged the university to make good use of the resources provided and reiterated the mandate of NITDA towards digital transformation and awareness in Nigeria.
GSN President Uba Saidu Malami described the on-site launch as more than an event, calling it a celebration of collaboration, professional growth, and a shared commitment to advancing the geosciences. He thanked the university’s management, faculty, and students for their reception and partnership, and acknowledged the guest speaker and partners from Zirconex Mining & Metal Laboratory for sharing industry insights with students. He said GSN looks forward to the work ahead in promoting professionalism, excellence, and lifelong development in the geoscience community.
