A Nigerian petroleum geoscientist, Mr. Seye Ekun, has been elected as the Vice President of the American Association of Petroleum Geologists (AAPG) Africa Region. His tenure will run from July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2026. The announcement was made in a statement issued by the AAPG Africa Region on Wednesday, confirming his new leadership role in the continental branch of the global professional organisation.
According to the statement, Mr. Ekun has been an active and dedicated member of the AAPG for over two decades. He joined the association in the year 2000 as a full voting member and has since served in various leadership roles. Between 2020 and 2022, he was the Treasurer of the AAPG Africa Region, a position in which he oversaw the financial administration of the regional body. Over the years, he has contributed significantly to promoting petroleum geology, advancing geoscience education, and supporting young professionals across Africa.
Mr. Ekun has been instrumental in organising several major programmes for the association. He coordinated the prestigious AAPG/Imperial Barrel Award programmes, which provide hands-on technical and industry exposure for geoscience students. He also played a key role in hosting the first-ever AAPG Geosciences Technology Workshop in Africa, bringing together experts, researchers, and industry leaders to discuss innovative solutions for challenges in the oil and gas sector. Since 2017, he has served as a member of the Enhancing Mature Fields’ Life Cycles Committee, a technical group focused on improving the performance and sustainability of oil and gas fields that have been in production for many years.
In recognition of his long-standing commitment and service, Mr. Ekun was honoured this year for completing 25 years of active membership in the AAPG. He was also the recipient of the AAPG Distinguished Service Award in 2023, one of the highest honours given by the association to members who have demonstrated exceptional dedication. In addition, he served as a Certified Petroleum Geologist with the Division of Professional Affairs from 2020 to 2023, further cementing his reputation as a seasoned professional in the field.
With his election as Vice President, Mr. Ekun will now help lead the AAPG Africa Region, which represents more than 18,000 members spread across 94 countries. The association described his appointment as a celebration of a career built on passion, volunteerism, and excellence in geoscience. The leadership expressed confidence that his tenure would inspire innovation, promote sustainable practices in petroleum exploration, and strengthen the professional network of geoscientists in Africa.
“Now, stepping into the role of Vice President, Seye is poised to lead a community that spans more than 18,000 members in ninety-four countries,” the AAPG Africa Region stated. “Mr. Ekun’s journey of dedication and impact is an inspiration to the entire membership of the Africa Region, and the region anticipates the groundbreaking initiatives and positive changes that his leadership will bring in the coming term. The region celebrates this milestone and looks forward to a future where his vision continues to shape and uplift the geoscience community across Africa and beyond.”
Industry stakeholders have described Mr. Ekun’s emergence as a significant development for Nigeria’s geoscience community, noting that his leadership will not only enhance collaboration between African petroleum geologists but also create more opportunities for knowledge exchange, research, and professional development. His career is widely recognised for combining technical expertise with mentorship, as he has been actively involved in training young geoscientists and encouraging students to pursue careers in petroleum geology and related disciplines.
The AAPG, founded in 1917, is a global organisation dedicated to advancing the science of petroleum geology, promoting effective exploration practices, and supporting professionals in the energy sector. Its Africa Region serves as a platform for geoscientists on the continent to engage in research, share innovations, and advocate for responsible resource development. Mr. Ekun’s election as Vice President marks another milestone in the growing influence of Nigerian professionals in global scientific and technical organisations.
