ABU celebrates 20 years of successful nuclear reactor operations

Ahmadu Bello University (ABU) Zaria, is set to organise a day symposium to mark 20 years of safe and successful operations of its nuclear research reactor and its contribution to Nigeria’s socio-economic development. 

The reactor, code-named ‘Nigeria Research Reactor – 1 (NIRR-1), and domiciled at the institution’s Centre for Energy Research and Training (CERT), is a major training facility for the introduction of nuclear power for electricity generation in the country. 

According to a statement by office of the Public Affairs Directorate of the Vice-Chancellor, Kabiru Bala, the event, billed to hold at the Conference Hall of the Centre for Energy Research and Training (CERT), Ahmadu Bello University, Samaru Main Campus, Zaria, on Thursday, 2nd May, 2024, will be declared open by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume. 

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“Magajin Rafin Zazzau and former Vice-Chancellor, Ahmadu Bello University, Prof. Ango Abdullahi, will chair the occasion. Former Head, Department of Physics, Ahmadu Bello University, Prof. D.E. Ajakaiye, will give a keynote address, with the Chairman, Nigeria Atomic Energy Commission, Prof. Y.A. Ahmed; Director-General, Nigeria Nuclear Regulatory Authority, Dr. Ya’u Idris; and Director, Centre for Energy Research and Development, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Prof. F.K. Akinbami, as guest speakers. 

“Six distinguished researchers at the Centre for Energy Research and Training (CERT), Ahmadu Bello University, namely Prof. S.A. Jonah, Prof. I.M. Umar, Prof. I.I. Funtua, Prof. M.O.A. Oladipo, Prof. G.I. Balogun, and Prof. D.J. Adeyemo will make paper presentations. 

“The symposium, ‘20 Years of Nigeria Nuclear Research Reactor – 1 (NRR-1): Achievements, Challenges, and Prospects’, will give the opportunity to discuss the future prospects in the utilization of the reactor, especially the manpower development for the nuclear power industry and medical applications. 

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“The nuclear research reactor was officially commissioned at the Centre on 30th September, 2004. In 2018, the reactor was converted to Low Enriched Uranium (LEU) from Highly Enriched Uranium (HEU).  The reactor has been utilized in the socio-economic development of the country in the areas of education and training, soils and geochemical mappings for improved agricultural production and mineral development. 

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“The Vice-Chancellor, Ahmadu Bello University, Prof. Kabiru Bala, who will be the chief host; and the Director, Centre for Energy Research and Training (CERT), Ahmadu Bello University, Prof. S.A. Jonah, cordially invites the general public to attend the one-day event,” the university statement read.