NSUK Hosts 9th IMGA-Nigeria, 1st African Regional Conference on Medical Geology

Nasarawa State University, Keffi, on Tuesday, July 29, 2026, hosted the 9th IMGA-Nigeria and 1st African Regional Conference and Exhibition on Medical Geology at the University’s Old Senate Chamber. The conference, themed “Medical Geology in Public Health and Sustainability for the Creation of Resilient Community Systems,” attracted dignitaries from academia, political institutions, traditional leaders, critical stakeholders from Nigeria and abroad, members of the diplomatic corps, staff, students, and members of the NSUK community.

In her opening remarks, the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Sa’adatu Hassan Liman, warmly welcomed participants and commended the organizing committee for its hard work and dedication toward the success of the conference. She lauded the Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Research, Innovation and Linkages, K’tso Nghargbu, for his enduring commitment to academic excellence and acknowledged the Nasarawa State Government for its continued support and contributions to the growth and development of the University.

Professor Liman described the conference as “a historic milestone,” noting that hosting the event was a significant indication of the continent’s readiness to take a leading role in medical geology, research, and innovation. She added that the conference would contribute meaningfully to the development of resilient communities and strengthen the role of science in addressing public health and environmental challenges across Africa.

She further highlighted the health risks associated with geological and environmental conditions, including fluoride contamination in groundwater, heavy metals in mining areas, radon from certain rock formations, and arsenic contamination. She called for stronger collaboration among geoscientists, public health experts, policymakers, and researchers to address health challenges associated with geological and environmental conditions in African communities.

Also speaking, the Executive Governor of Nasarawa State, Engr. Abdullahi A. Sule, represented by the Deputy Governor, Dr. Emmanuel Agbadu Akabe, congratulated NSUK for hosting the conference and commended the organizing committee for its efforts toward the success of the event. He lauded Professor Liman for her visionary leadership and paid tribute to K’tso Nghargbu for his commitment to impactful initiatives aimed at advancing medical geology in Nigeria and beyond.

Dr. Akabe underscored the critical importance of medical geology in promoting environmental safety and sustainable national development. He urged participants to leverage the knowledge and insights generated during the conference to address environmental and public health challenges and to promote healthier and safer societies.

Earlier in her welcome address, the Chairperson of IMGA-Nigeria, Dr. Temitope A. Laniyan, welcomed participants and expressed appreciation to the University management for its unwavering support toward the success of the conference.

Dr. Laniyan identified key strategies for building resilient community systems, including integrated geo-health surveillance, curriculum evolution, policy translation, investigation of environmental anomalies, modern frontiers in diagnostics, climate change policy, and global health. She encouraged participants to engage in robust academic exchanges, share methodologies, and strengthen professional networks to promote the sustainable growth and development of the association.

In his keynote presentation titled “Innovative Translational Research: An Imperative for Building Resilient Community Systems in Resource-Constrained Environments,” Professor Ibrahim Katampe emphasized the significance of translational research in converting research knowledge into practical applications for the benefit of society. He highlighted the importance of innovative translational research in transforming scientific discoveries, technological innovations, indigenous knowledge, and policy insights into scalable interventions capable of addressing emerging real-world challenges.

Professor Katampe called for stronger collaboration among researchers, increased investment in digital capacity, and the promotion of artificial intelligence-driven innovation to develop sustainable solutions to environmental and public health challenges. He also advocated the adoption of the Penta-Helix model to foster inclusive and innovative ecosystems that can drive sustainable national development.

In their separate goodwill messages, the Emir of Keffi, His Royal Highness Dr. Shehu Chindo Yamusa III, represented by Mallam Shamsuddeen Abubakar Maikasuwa; the Polish Ambassador to Nigeria Michal Cygan, represented by the Deputy Ambassador; and the Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Research, Innovation and Development, Usmanu Danfodiyo University Sokoto, Professor Aliyu Jibril, congratulated NSUK for hosting the landmark conference.

They commended DVC K’tso Nghargbu for his outstanding contributions to the advancement of medical geology across Africa and beyond. They also underscored the significance of the conference theme in promoting sustainable health, environmental protection, and resilient community systems.

The conference brought together geoscientists, public health experts, environmental managers, policymakers, researchers, academics, and other stakeholders from Nigeria and beyond to deliberate on the relationship between geological conditions, public health, and resilient community systems as pathways to sustainable national development.

A major highlight of the event was the presentation of souvenirs and Awards of Excellence to distinguished personalities by the Association in recognition of their outstanding contributions to the growth and advancement of academic excellence, followed by a group photograph to commemorate the historic occasion.

©️ Information and Protocol Unit, 2026.
Nasarawa State University, Keffi