SUBSURFACE GEOELECTRICAL EVALUATION OF GROUNDWATER IN BALOGUN AREA, IBADAN, NIGERIA

The scarcity of potable water remains a major challenge in many parts of Nigeria, especially in rural communities such as Balogun in Ibadan, Southwestern Nigeria. Most residents rely on seasonal, shallow, and unprotected hand-dug wells and surface water sources such as ponds and streams, which are often contaminated and unreliable. The increasing population pressure from staff of nearby institutions like the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) and the University of Ibadan has further strained the already inadequate water supply in the area. Given the importance of groundwater as a reliable source of potable water—particularly in basement complex terrains—this study employed geophysical techniques to assess groundwater potential in the Balogun community. Electrical resistivity methods, specifically Vertical Electrical Soundings (VES), were utilized due to their proven effectiveness in mapping subsurface features such as fractures, basement depressions, and lithological variations critical to groundwater occurrence. The study aimed to delineate aquifer-bearing zones, identify hydrogeological units, and provide guidance for successful groundwater development. Results from the VES data interpretation reveal significant variations in subsurface resistivity, which correspond to different lithological units and potential aquifer zones. These findings are crucial for informed siting of productive wells and will serve as a valuable guide for future groundwater exploration and development in the Balogun area