NSUK inducts pioneer Medical Geology postgraduate students

By David Odama

Nasarawa State University Keffi (NSUK), Friday inducted first set of Postgraduate students to study courses in Medical Geology at the university.

Nasarawa Deputy Governor, Dr Emmanuel Akabe, accompanied by other politicians and management of the university were at the induction ceremony held in Keffi local government area of Nasarawa state on Friday

It would be recalled that Medical Geology, a new programme or discipline of study is the study of impact of geologic factors, materials and processes on the environment-which is man and his habitat.

The University’s Jose Centeno International Centre for Medical Geology (JacMedGeo) will teach the 17 pioneer students in various courses such as Post Graduate Diploma in Medical Geology, Masters Degree in Medical Geology and Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Medical Geology.

The event also witnessed delivery of special lecture titled “Safe mining, chemicals and economic diversification” by Hajiya Fatima Shinkafi, Executive Secretary, Solid Minerals Development Fund (SMDF).

In his remarks, the Deputy governor praised the university management for putting the university in national and world limelight as the first tertiary institution across the world offering postgraduate courses in medical geology.

He added that the achievement was made possible through vital international partnership between NSUK, International Medical Geology Association and the International Environmental Health Sciences Consortium.

“His Excellency, Governor Abdullahi Sule shares in this exhilaration and sends his warmest felicitations. Nasarawa state University has once again proven it’s pioneering spirit.

“To be the first worldwide to offer this critical programme speaks volumes about the vision and dedication of this institution, It’s leadership and the power of global collaboration,” he said.

Akabe explained that medical geology focuses on the connection between the environment and human health, a multidisciplinary field exploring the interactions between geological materials and processes and human wellbeing.

“This includes examining how earth’s environment can impact health-both beneficially and harmfully. This programme will empower us to understand how geological factors directly impact health causing us challenges like geo medical diseases among others,” he said.

He then told the pioneering students whom he describe as trailblazers in the field that their future contributions can be groundbreaking hence the need for them to embrace the new field of study challenge with passion and diligence.

He commended the management of the university led by the Vice Chancellor, Professor Sa’adatu Liman and other staff of the institution for the foresight and hardwork especially in fostering the international alliances that has put the university in the limelight.

He then assured the university management that the administration of Governor Abdullahi Sule remains steadfast in it’s support for education and research that drives development.

“Investing in knowledge is investing in our future. As the state of solid minerals with large deposits of solid minerals, it is imperative that such a course begins here. So I congratulate you all,” he said.

Also speaking, Member of the House of Representatives (SDP/Karu/ Keffi/Kokona Federal Constituency, Hon. Jonathan Gaza, lauded the university for the feat and urged the pioneering students to work hard knowing that they carry with the them the hopes and pride of the nation.

Gaza also commended the first Medical Geologist in Nigeria, Associate Professor Kitso Nghargbu for been in the forefront in championing the setting up of the Jose Centeno International Centre for Medical Geology at the university where the postgraduate degree programs are to be taught.

“For as long as I can remember, Associate Professor Kitso has slept, eaten and drank medical geology. I am so elated to see that through hardwork and dedication such a dream has come to fruition,” he said.

Gaza who is the Chairman of the House Committee on Solid Minerals assured the university that he would ensure that the program will receive institutional support and national recognition.

Prof. Sa’adatu Liman, Vice Chancellor, Nasarawa State University Keffi (NSUK) in her remarks said the university realizing mining sector plays in the economic growth of the nation and that Nasarawa state is described as the home of solid minerals decide to establish the Medical Geology centre as a contribution to the state, the country and humanity.

“This contribution is focused on developing safe mining strategies and engaging in purposeful researches in the area,” she said.

In his introductory remarks, Nghargbu, Deputy Vice Chancellor Designate (Research and Innovarions) explained that the connection between geology and medicine has to do with the impact of geologic materials to man’s health hence the study of medical geology.

“Is Medical Geology a recognized discipline, yes! It’s not a strange discipline. It’s just by divine Providence God enable Nasarawa State University to put the pieces together, develop a globally accepted curriculum and proactively establish the first centre for medical geology across the world,” he said.