Saminu Olatunji is a Reader in the Department of Geophysics, Faculty of Physical Sciences University of Ilorin with 15 years of University teaching, research, and administrative experience.
He has served as Sub-Dean of Faculty and Head of Department. His areas of research interest span Groundwater, Mineral, Energy resources, and Fabrication of the instrument in Applied Geophysics.
He has to his credit over seventy publications in reputable outlets covering journals, edited conference proceedings, and chapters in books. He has successfully supervised over 15 M.Sc. dissertations and 11 Ph.D. theses. To his distinction, he has patented Geophysical equipment that he invented. He is a registered member of the Council of Nigerian Mining Engineers and Geoscientists (COMEG) and many other professional bodies within and outside Nigeria.
EDUCATION
Doctor of Philosophy ( in Applied Geophysics, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, 2006; Master of Science (M.Sc.) in Applied Geophysics, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, 1999; B.Sc. (Ed.) (Hons.) Physics, University of Ilorin, 1990
RESEARCH, TEACHING, or OTHER INTERESTS
Geophysics
16
Scopus Publications
300
Scholar Citations
9
Scholar h-index
9
Scholar i10-index
Scopus Publications
Reassessing high geothermal zones in the benue trough, Nigeria, using airborne radiometric data Kehinde Oladele Dopamu, Sesan Cornelius Falade, Leke Sunday Adebiyi, Esther Adeola Alejolowo, Saminu Olatunji Geomechanics and Geophysics for Geo Energy and Geo Resources, 2026 The rising global demand for sustainable energy and the urgent need to reduce greenhouse gas emissions have highlighted geothermal energy as a reliable and continuous power source. This study re-evaluates geothermal potential in the Benue Trough, Nigeria, using high-resolution airborne radiometric data to quantify concentrations of heat-producing elements—potassium (K), thorium (Th), and uranium (U). The analysis focuses on four main zones (A, B, D, and F), for which detailed radiogenic heat production (RHP) models were developed. The results revealed significant spatial variability in RHP values, with hotspots observed in Talasse, Guyuk, Numan, Yalwa, Yalo, Awe, Keana, Ugbodo and Ndubia. The maximum RHP values range from 2.53 to 8.43 µW/m3, exceeding the global crustal average, indicating significant geothermal energy potential. The geothermal estimates obtained in this study are consistent with earlier studies in the Benue Trough, while additionally providing improved spatial resolution and more precise delineation of localized radiogenic heat anomalies. These results corroborate the idea that radiogenic heat alone can maintain exploitable geothermal resources across various regions of the Trough. The results show that the lithology and tectonic structures influence the thermal regime below the surface, and radiometric surveys can be used to locate prospects. This article presents a scientific basis for focused geothermal exploration in the Benue Trough and supports Nigeria’s transition to a low-carbon power system.
Subsurface characterization for foundation valuation of existing engineering structures in basement complex of southwestern Nigeria U. Z. Magawata, S. Olatunji, N. K. Olasunkanmi, A. E. Adeleke Geofisica Internacional, 2025 The subsurface characterization for foundation evaluation of existing engineering structures aims to investigate the structural competence of selected high-rise buildings on the University of Ilorin campus, located in the basement complex of north- central Nigeria. Very Low Frequency Electromagnetic (VLF–EM) and Vertical Electrical Sounding (VES) techniques were used to explore the subsurface geological sequence. Twenty-one VLF-EM traverses were established in an E-W orientation, following the prominent NE–SW geological trend. The 32 anomalous zones identified from the filtered EM data were fur- ther examined using the Schlumberger VES technique. The EM responses ranged from -40% to 45%, showing alternating positive and negative peaks, which indicate contrasting near surface formations, identified as vadose zones (associated with lateritic clay and/or clayey sand) and water-bearing weathered layers extending to an estimated depth of about 8 meters. The vertical geoelectrical sequence revealed 3 to 5 electrical horizons, comprising topsoil made up of clay lenses, sandy-clay, lateritic hard-pan, and clayey-sand, along with a highly weathered basement and fractured to fresh bedrock. The basement is predominantly weathered and lies at a shallow depth, ranging from 1.0 to 10.6 meters. The overburden is relatively thin, composed of some clay lenses, sandy clay, and a dominant lateritic hard-pan or clayey-sand, which are considered compe- tent subsoils for high-rise buildings. However, thick clay layers in the southern and northern parts of the area could pose a risk to high-rise structures if they extend continuously across other profiles. The predominantly fractured bedrock is also notable for groundwater development, but if seismically active, it could lead to building failures. Overall, the study area has a subsurface sequence and structurally competent bedrock capable of supporting the selected high-rise structures, as evidenced by several traverses and VES points, including Traverses 1 (VES1, VES2, and VES3), 2, 5 (VES7, VES8, and VES9), and 20 (VES30, VES31, and VES32).
Remote Sensing and Aeromagnetic Study in Part of Sheet 244 Ado Ekiti Northeast for Groundwater Development, Nigeria Jordan Journal of Earth and Environmental Sciences, 2023
Werner Deconvolution Technique for the Interpretation of Residual Aeromagnetic Anomalies of Igbeti Schist Belt; Implication for Marble Exploration Saminu Olatunji, Warith Adewale Adebisi Indonesian Journal on Geoscience, 2022 DOI:10.17014/ijog.9.2.209-217Determination of the straight down range of geologic formation between geographic latitude 8.30 0N to 9 0N and longitude 3.30 0E to 4.30 0E of the Igbeti schist belt became a thing of interest due to the on-going exploration in the region. Aeromagnetic field intensity anomaly data of the bound were then acquired, separated off regional field and a corresponding residual map obtained was later used applying Werner deconvolution method filtering tool. Three magnetic profiles were selected and labelled for the interpretation on the residual anomalies. The result shows that the depth to magnetic source has a maximum value of 1,000 m toward the subsurface in all the profiles selected, indicating the shallow nature of the magnetic source in the area. Based on the structural index shown, it further reveals solutions for contact and dyke which indicates that there are boundaries which separate rocks from one another and the presence of dyke formation. The implication of identical signature from all profiles is that the marble deposit is relative uniform extending to a great depth in the area.
Reassessing high geothermal zones in the benue trough, Nigeria, using airborne radiometric data KO Dopamu, SC Falade, LS Adebiyi, EA Alejolowo, S Olatunji Geomechanics and Geophysics for Geo-Energy and Geo-Resources , 2026 2026
Estimating Groundwater Recharge in Areas with Little Data and Water Scarcity: A Case Study of Yobe State, Nigeria MO Arowolo, OA HARRISON, AT OGUNDIRAN, A Jimoh, S Olatunji 2026
Iron ore prospecting using remote sensing and aeromagnetic data in parts of sheet 224 (Osi), Nigeria BA Ojulari, S Olatunji, IO Folorunsho Technoscience Journal for Community Development in Africa 4, 177-185 , 2025 2025
Reservoir-scale petrographic and grain size study of Bida basin sandstones: A geophysical perspective on porosity and depositional trends T Issa, S Olatunji Fountain Journal of Natural and Applied Sciences 14 (2) , 2025 2025
Application of aeroradiometric data for lithological classification and iron ore prospecting in southwestern Nigeria BA Ojulari, S Olatunji, IO Folorunsho Fountain Journal of Natural and Applied Sciences 14 (1) , 2025 2025
An Assessment of the Spring Water Quality in the Share Region of Southern Nigeria Using the Water Quality Index A MO, J AJADI, S OLATUNJI 2025
An Assessment of the Spring Water Quality in the Share Region of Southern Nigeria Using the Water Quality Index MO AROWOLO, J AJADI, S OLATUNJI 2025
Geophysical investigation of groundwater potential and aquifer properties using ground magnetic and vertical electrical sounding at the University of Ilorin, Nigeria GE Omolaiye, SB Adam, TA Issa, Y Magaji, KA Oniyangi, J Ajadi, ... Modeling Earth Systems and Environment 11 (3), 205 , 2025 2025 Citations: 8
Subsurface characterization for foundation valuation of existing engineering structures in basement complex of southwestern Nigeria S Olatunji, NK Olasunkanmi, UZ Magawata, AE Adeleke Geofísica internacional 64 (2), 1533-1542 , 2025 2025 Citations: 1
Aquifer Vulnerability Index Model for Vulnerability Assessment: A Case Study of Irewolede Estate in Ilorin, North-Central Nigeria HO Abubakar, WA Adebisi, IO Folorunso, TO Adeoye, S Olatunji, ... Journal of the Earth and Space Physics 50 (4) , 2025 2025
Upward continuation and reduction to equator filters on aeromagnetic data of parts of Bida Basin, Nigeria TA Issa, S Olatunji, GE Omolaiye Ilorin Journal of Science 11 (3 (Special)), 311-318 , 2024 2024 Citations: 3
Geophysical Investigation of Fracture Distribution in the premises of Nigerian Stored Products Research Institute (NSPRI), Ilorin S Olatunji, VA Adeyemi Ilorin Journal of Science 11 (3 (Special)), 265-273 , 2024 2024
Integrating Aeromagnetic and Resistivity Data for Geologic Interpretation of Igbeti Schist Belt, Southwestern Nigeria: Implication for Mineral Exploration HO Abubakar, WA Adebisi, IO Folorunso, S Olatunji Ilorin Journal of Science 11 (3 (Special)), 189-197 , 2024 2024
2-D Spectral Analysis of Aeromagnetic Anomalies over Parts of Bida Basin, Nigeria TA Issa, S Olatunji, GE Omolaiye Ilorin Journal of Science 11 (3 (Special)), 337-347 , 2024 2024
Identification of tantalite mineralization zones in Igbonla area, North-Central Nigeria using Very Low Frequency Electromagnetic (VLF-EM) techniques IO Folorunso, WA Adebisi, HO Abubakar, S Olatunji UNIZIK Journal of Engineering and Applied Sciences 3 (3), 1047-1059 , 2024 2024
Building Conversion in Cities: An Empirical Analysis of Ijapo Residential Estate Akure, Nigeria SE Okosun, AD Joshua, A Daniel, SA Olatunji, OA Aladelokun, ... African Journal of Applied Research 10 (1), 295-315 , 2024 2024 Citations: 3
Source investigation of Ikanje artesian spring in north-central Nigeria, using VLF-EM and VES geophysical techniques S Olatunji, HO Abubakar Geosciences Journal 28 (1), 125-136 , 2024 2024 Citations: 4
Delineating structural features related to hydrothermal alterations for possible mineralization in Share Area, Kwara State Nigeria using aeromagnetic data WA Adebisi, IO Folorunso, HO Abubakar, S Olatunji, MO Olaojo Indonesian Journal of Earth Sciences 4 (2), A1265 , 2024 2024 Citations: 11
Remote Sensing and Aeromagnetic Study in Part of Sheet 244 Ado Ekiti Northeast for Groundwater Development, Nigeria HO Abubakar, OO Ige, S Olatunji Jordan Journal of Earth and Environmental Sciences 14 (4), 280-286 , 2023 2023
Characterizing groundwater potentials in parts of the basement complex of Nigeria using GIS and remote sensing HO Abubakar, OO Ige, S Olatunji, KO Iheme Sustainable Water Resources Management 9 (2), 50 , 2023 2023 Citations: 4
MOST CITED SCHOLAR PUBLICATIONS
Edge detection and magnetic basement depth of Danko area, northwestern Nigeria, from low-latitude aeromagnetic anomaly data NB Salawu, S Olatunji, LS Adebiyi, NK Olasunkanmi, SS Dada SN Applied Sciences 1 (9), 1056 , 2019 2019 Citations: 46
Effect of manganese additions and wear parameter on the tribological behaviour of NFGrey (8) cast iron JO Agunsoye, EF Ochulor, SI Talabi, S Olatunji Tribology in Industry 34 (4), 239 , 2012 2012 Citations: 32
Interpretation of high resolution aeromagnetic data of Kaoje and its environ, western part of the Zuru Schist belt, Nigeria: implication for Fe–Mn occurrence N Olasunkanmi, O Bamigboye, O Saminu, N Salawu, T Bamidele Heliyon 6 (1) , 2020 2020 Citations: 27
Estimation of aquifer hydraulic characteristics from surface geoelectrical methods: case study of the Rima basin, North Western Nigeria S Olatunji, A Musa Arabian Journal for Science and Engineering 39 (7), 5475-5487 , 2014 2014 Citations: 20
Geomagnetic modeling of potential hydrocarbon traps in the lower Niger Delta, offshore West Africa I Ali, S Olatunji, LI Nwankwo, CO Akoshile, LM Johnson, F Edino Archives of applied science research 4 (2), 863-847 , 2012 2012 Citations: 15
Determination of aquifer parameters from resistivity data: A case of University of Ilorin Campus, Northcentral Nigeria B Onawola, S Olatunji, O Ologe, R Jimoh Tanzania Journal of Science 47 (1), 91-103 , 2021 2021 Citations: 14
Geophysical inversion of geologic structures of Oyo Metropolis, Southwestern Nigeria from airborne magnetic data NB Salawu, S Olatunji, MM Orosun, TY Abdulraheem Geomechanics and Geophysics for Geo-Energy and Geo-Resources 5 (2), 143-157 , 2019 2019 Citations: 13
Seepage investigation on an existing dam using integrated geophysical methods NK Olasunkanmi, A Aina, S Olatunji, M Bawalla Journal of Environment and Earth Science 8 (5), 7 , 2018 2018 Citations: 12
Delineating structural features related to hydrothermal alterations for possible mineralization in Share Area, Kwara State Nigeria using aeromagnetic data WA Adebisi, IO Folorunso, HO Abubakar, S Olatunji, MO Olaojo Indonesian Journal of Earth Sciences 4 (2), A1265 , 2024 2024 Citations: 11
Geophysical investigation of groundwater potential and aquifer properties using ground magnetic and vertical electrical sounding at the University of Ilorin, Nigeria GE Omolaiye, SB Adam, TA Issa, Y Magaji, KA Oniyangi, J Ajadi, ... Modeling Earth Systems and Environment 11 (3), 205 , 2025 2025 Citations: 8
Structural and Qualitative Analysis of Solid Minerals (Marble) in Selected Locations in Nigeria AB Alabi, S Olatunji, LI Babalola, O.A., Nwankwo, LM Johnson, ... Nigerian Journal of Physics 24, 68-76 , 2013 2013 Citations: 7
Integration of Remote Sensing and Geophysical Methods for Structural and Lithological Mapping in a Part of Precambrian Basement Rocks, Northern Nigeria S Olatunji Journal of Fundamental and Applied Sciences 14 (1), 161-180 , 2022 2022 Citations: 6
Influence of production variables on eco-friendly briquettes from coconut and Bambara nut shells OA Sotannde, AO Oluwadare, S Ezekiel, GT Anguruwa Arid Zone Journal of Engineering, Technology and Environment 13 (4), 489-501 , 2017 2017 Citations: 6
Geoelectrical assessment of University of Ilorin Dam axis NK Olasunkanmi, S Olatunji, CO Akoshile, LI Nwankwo Archives of Physics Research 3 (3), 221-231 , 2012 2012 Citations: 6
Groundwater Potential Evaluation in Parts of Southwestern Nigeria using Dar-Zarouk Parameters S Olatunji, U Issa, J Ajadi LAUTECH Journal of Civil and Environmental Studies 8 (1), 38-44 , 2022 2022 Citations: 5
Interpretation of high resolution aeromagnetic data of Kaoje and its Environ, western part of the Zuru Schist belt, Nigeria: implication for Fe–Mn occurrence. Heliyon 6 N Olasunkanmi, O Bamigboye, O Saminu, N Salawu 2020 Citations: 5
Source investigation of Ikanje artesian spring in north-central Nigeria, using VLF-EM and VES geophysical techniques S Olatunji, HO Abubakar Geosciences Journal 28 (1), 125-136 , 2024 2024 Citations: 4
Characterizing groundwater potentials in parts of the basement complex of Nigeria using GIS and remote sensing HO Abubakar, OO Ige, S Olatunji, KO Iheme Sustainable Water Resources Management 9 (2), 50 , 2023 2023 Citations: 4
Werner Deconvolution Technique for the Interpretation of Residual Anomalies of Igbeti Schist Belt; Implication for Marble Exploration S Olatunji, WA Adebisi Indonesian Journal on Geoscience 9 (2), 209-217 , 2022 2022 Citations: 4
Coal Exploration using Electrical Resistivity Method in Some Parts of Benue Trough, Nigeria S Olatunji, A Jimoh Tanzania Journal of Science 46 (3), 859-872 , 2020 2020 Citations: 4
RESEARCH OUTPUTS (PATENTS, SOFTWARE, PUBLICATIONS, PRODUCTS)
Non-Polarizing Porous Pot Electrode for Geo-Electrical Survey (Patent number NG/P/2022/73)
