Ex-Unilorite breaks new ground in carbon dioxide storage research
One of the unique attributes that distinguish the University of Ilorin from others is the roll call of its graduates that are scattered all over the world and are excelling in their respective careers. One of such alumni who are making the institution proud is Dr Blessing Afolayan, a Geoscientist who has been making waves in South Africa after conducting innovative research on carbon dioxide storage.
Dr Afolayan, a 2013 graduate of the Department of Geology, Faculty of Physical Sciences, University of Ilorin, is skilled in subsoil investigation, formation evaluation, seismic interpretation, and static and dynamic modeling. He completed his Ph.D. at the University of the Western Cape, South Africa. His thesis, titled “Carbon dioxide (CO2) storage capacity assessment of a hydrocarbon reservoir in the Bredasdorp basin: geological modeling and reservoir simulation”, has received positive reactions, especially in South Africa and among global scientists.
The research focused on identifying possible CO2 sinks within the Bredasdorp basin, offshore South Africa, and determining the volumes of CO2 that can be stored in these reservoirs. Dr Afolayan demonstrated the efficacy of both saline aquifers and hydrocarbon reservoirs for storage, using dynamic simulation of the reservoirs to study CO2-brine-hydrocarbon reactions and CO2 trapping mechanisms.
It is worth mentioning that the increasing concentration of CO2 and other greenhouse gases in the atmosphere is primarily responsible for human-induced climate change, leading to higher temperatures, changes in precipitation patterns, melting glaciers and ice caps, rising sea levels, more frequent and intense extreme weather events, and disruptions to ecosystems and biodiversity.
At a time when world leaders are consistently discussing ways to mitigate the consequences of climate change, this illustrious UNILORIN alumnus invented a technology that captures CO2 emissions from various sources such as power plants, industrial facilities, and even directly from the atmosphere. By capturing these emissions before they enter the atmosphere, it helps reduce the amount of CO2 that contributes to global warming.
According to Gordon Bitner Hinckley, an American religious leader, and author – “You can’t build a great building on a weak foundation,” this means that this young and vibrant alumnus of the Most Outstanding University in Nigeria will forever be grateful to his Alma mater, the University of Ilorin, where a solid foundation for his current attainments was laid.
In a telephone chat with UNILORIN BULLETIN, Dr. Afolayan said, “I am a proud product of the better-by-far institution. Unilorin laid a very solid foundation for my Geosciences career. The Geology Department was a good breeding ground for me, and the toughness and rigours of the school prepared me for postgraduate challenges. Unilorin was the oven where I was baked…and I was most definitely well-baked.” This is a testament to the better by far status of the University of Ilorin, the institution reputable for breeding world leaders.
Speaking on why he embarked on the study of carbon dioxide storage in South Africa, the proud Unilorin Ambassador said, “South Africa is a net producer of carbon dioxide and therefore its carbon storage potential is quite massive. The country relies on coal-fired power plants for electricity generation. So, carbon storage is a potentially useful technology for greenhouse gas mitigation in South Africa.”
Commenting on his plan to replicate a similar study in Nigeria, this incisive geoscientist said, “Nigeria has an abundance of hydrocarbon depleted reservoirs as well as saline aquifers. The extensive oil exploration in Nigeria also provides a wonderful opportunity for access to data. So, Nigeria is in a prime position to host such studies. The results of the study will key into the net-zero drive of the government. Carbon capture and storage is a useful technology to combat CO2 emissions from large industries such as cement production plants and gas flaring from oil production, which will reduce the carbon emissions of Nigeria as a whole.”
As the Yoruba saying goes, “Bi omo eni ba dara kawi, Omo eni ki sedi bebere, ka lo fi ileke si idi omo elomiran,” which can simply be translated to “If someone’s child behaves well, it’s worth acknowledging.” I boldly say that this proud alumnus of the University of Ilorin, an experienced researcher, project engineer, and petroleum geoscientist with experience in foundation engineering, is making the most sought-after university in Nigeria proud. As he distinguishes himself far away in South Africa, he always carries the flag of the University aloft.
Speaking on his future plans, this strategic thinker with extensive experience in project management, successfully delivering petroleum products tank bases (CFA piles), concrete sheet piles, and shoreline reclamation projects, said, “I am hoping to play a huge role in the development and deployment of cutting-edge technologies within the Geosciences space for carbon storage. Therefore, research and development within the industry and academia is where I hope to carve a niche for myself. I am also interested in looking at the role of machine learning and artificial intelligence for underground carbon storage projects.”
Professionally, Afolayan is a Junior Member of the Nigerian Association of Petroleum Explorationists (NAPE); Member, Nigeria Mining and Geosciences Society (NMGS); Student Member, American Association of Petroleum Geoscientists (AAPG), Student Member, Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE); Member, Society of Petrophysicists and Well Log Analysts (SPWLA), Student Member, Geological Society of South Africa (GSSA), and Student Member, American Institute of Professional Geologists (AIPG).
He has held various leadership positions which include the President, International Students Organization, University of the Western Cape (1so-uwc) (2022 – 2024); General Secretary: International Students Organization, University of the Western Cape (1so-uwc) (2021- 2022); Financial Secretary: African Union Club, PAULES! Chapter (2018); Class Governor: MSc. Petroleum Geosciences Class (2016 – 2018); Class Governor: BSc. Geology Class (2009 – 2013); Team Lead, Geological Field Mapping of Patti, Kogi State (2012); Team Lead, Geological Field Mapping of Omu-Aran, Kwara State (2012), TEAM LEAD, Geological Field Mapping of Share, Kwara State (2011); among others.
Dr Afolayan has been trained and certified in Reservoir rock properties and core analysis (TotalEnergies Professeurs Associes) (2023), Seismic acquisition and processing (TotalEnergies Professeurs Associes) (2023), Seismic structural, stratigraphic, and fluid interpretation (TotalEnergies Professeurs Associes) (2023), the Fundamentals of Digital Marketing (Google Digital Skills for Africa) (2020), Young African Leaders Initiative (YALI), Accra RLC (2018), Basin Evaluation Competition (Bronze Medal) (2013), and Certificate of Microsoft Data Processing (2004).