Ahmadu Bello University Denies Involvement in Developing Nuclear Weapon

The Ahmadu Bello University (ABU) has released a statement dismissing a social media video that falsely claims the institution is involved in developing a nuclear weapon for Nigeria. The video, which is an AI-generated claim, alleges that Nigerian scientists secretly enriched weapons-grade uranium in Kaduna in the 1980s and obtained centrifugal equipment from the AQ Khan network in Pakistan. However, ABU's Director of Public Affairs, Malam Auwalu Umar, has categorically denied these claims, stating that they are baseless, unfounded, and unsubstantiated.

Key Takeaways:

• ABU has no connection with the AQ Khan network and has never received equipment for the construction of a centrifuge or nuclear device.
• The university's Centre for Energy Research and Training (CERT) was established in 1976 and operates in collaboration with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and international partners from the U.S., Russia, and China.
• By 1987, the only nuclear facility at the university was a 14 MeV Neutron Generator, which became operational in 1988.
• Nigeria's first nuclear reactor (NIRR-1) was established in 1996 under the IAEA Technical Cooperation Programme and commissioned in 2004.
• ABU has always pursued peaceful applications of nuclear science and technology for national development, in line with the country's obligations under the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) and the Pelindaba Treaty.
• The management of ABU has reaffirmed its commitment to advancing science and technology for the benefit of humanity and upholding Nigeria's international obligations on the peaceful use of nuclear energy.

Statistics:

• 14 MeV Neutron Generator became operational in 1988.
• NIRR-1, Nigeria's first nuclear reactor, was established in 1996.
• NIRR-1 was commissioned in 2004.
• CERT was established in 1976.
• ABU has no connection with the AQ Khan network.
• No equipment was received for the construction of a centrifuge or nuclear device.

Sources:

• Malam Auwalu Umar, Director of Public Affairs, Ahmadu Bello University (NAN), October 25, 2025.
• News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).