Ahmadu Bello University Clarifies Its Stand on Nuclear Research: No Involvement in Nuclear Weapon Development

Ahmadu Bello University (ABU) debunks claims of nuclear weapon development, reaffirming its commitment to peaceful nuclear research in collaboration with IAEA.

ABU Refutes False Claims Linking It to Nuclear Weapon Development

Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria — one of Nigeria’s most prestigious higher institutions — has officially denied viral social media claims suggesting it is involved in developing a nuclear weapon for Nigeria. The university has reaffirmed its long-standing commitment to peaceful and transparent nuclear research under global regulatory standards.

This clarification comes after an AI-generated video circulated online, alleging that ABU scientists secretly enriched weapons-grade uranium in the 1980s. The video further claimed that ABU obtained centrifugal equipment from Pakistan’s AQ Khan network — a claim the university has firmly dismissed as baseless.

University’s Official Response to the Viral Video

In a detailed statement issued by Malam Auwalu Umar, Director of Public Affairs at Ahmadu Bello University, the institution described the video as “misleading, unfounded, and unsubstantiated.”

According to Umar, the video was designed to misinform the public about Nigeria’s peaceful nuclear program, overseen by the Nigeria Atomic Energy Commission (NAEC) and supported by international partners.

“The allegations are completely false. Most ABU scientists at the Centre for Energy Research and Training (CERT) were still undergoing training abroad in the 1980s and could not have been involved in uranium enrichment,” Umar stated.

He added that ABU has no link with the AQ Khan network and has never received or operated any centrifuge or nuclear weapons-related equipment.

Historical Context: ABU’s Role in Peaceful Nuclear Research

Ahmadu Bello University has been a pioneer in peaceful applications of nuclear science and technology for national development. The university’s Centre for Energy Research and Training (CERT), established in 1976, operates under the supervision of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).

In 1987, ABU’s only nuclear facility was a 14 MeV Neutron Generator, which became operational in 1988.
Nigeria’s first nuclear reactor (NIRR-1) was built much later in 1996 under the IAEA Technical Cooperation Programme and officially commissioned in 2004.

These facilities are used primarily for research, medical isotope production, and energy studies, not for weapons development.

For more details on Nigeria’s peaceful nuclear projects, you can visit the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and the Nigeria Atomic Energy Commission (NAEC).

ABU’s Longstanding Commitment to Peaceful Nuclear Energy

Umar emphasized that Nigeria’s nuclear efforts are fully compliant with international treaties such as:

The Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) — which prohibits the development of nuclear weapons.
The Pelindaba Treaty — which establishes Africa as a nuclear-weapon-free zone.

“ABU has always pursued peaceful applications of nuclear science and technology for national development,” Umar reaffirmed.

He further noted that Sir Ahmadu Bello, the university’s founder, demonstrated early support for peaceful atomic research during his 1960 visit to the Oak Ridge National Laboratory in the U.S., two years before ABU’s founding.

Collaborations with Global Partners

ABU’s Centre for Energy Research and Training works closely with several international partners, including:

The United States Department of Energy (DOE)
Russia’s Rosatom
China National Nuclear Corporation (CNNC)
The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA)

These collaborations are aimed at enhancing nuclear education, radiation safety, and scientific innovation — all focused on peaceful purposes and national advancement.

You can learn more about ABU’s scientific programs via its official website: www.abu.edu.ng.

ABU’s Stand: Science for National Development, Not Weapons

In closing, the university reiterated its commitment to advancing science and technology solely for the benefit of humanity. It also assured the public that ABU’s nuclear research remains transparent and globally monitored to ensure compliance with international peace and security standards.

“We remain committed to Nigeria’s peaceful nuclear journey and to upholding our nation’s global obligations on the non-proliferation of nuclear weapons,” Umar concluded.

ABU Sets the Record Straight

The clarification from Ahmadu Bello University underscores Nigeria’s strong adherence to peaceful nuclear development. Despite misinformation circulating online, ABU continues to lead in research, innovation, and education that align with international best practices.

For verified updates on Nigeria’s nuclear initiatives and scientific research, visit the Ahmadu Bello University official website or follow IAEA’s official updates.