The Management of Ahmadu Bello University Zaria, have debunked claims that the institution is being used to develop weapons/ devices for Nigeria.A statement signed by Auwalu Umar, Director public affairs directorate office of the vice chancellor issued to newsmen described the trending social media video as false.
The statement equally dismissed several other falsehood contained in the viral video , stressing that It is pertinent for the University Management to debunk the assertions and put the facts straight, beginning with the history and evolution of Nigeria’s Nuclear Energy Programme, including contribution of Ahmadu Bello University to the programme.It said that Nigeria and, indeed, ABU have no connections with the AQ Khan Network from Pakistan let alone receiving equipment for the construction of a centrifuge.According to the statement,
Following the advancement and sophistications of the nuclear weapons programme of South Africa, the Murtala-Obasanjo Regime in 1976 pronounced ABU, Zaria and OAU, Ile-Ife as two institutions to drive Nigeria’s nuclear programme, emphasizing peaceful uses in line with IAEA charter.
Before then, Nigeria was one of the countries to sign the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) in 1968. All these are pointers to the desire of the country to peaceful uses of nuclear energy.
Under the aegis of ABU Governing Council, the Centre for Energy Research and Training (ABU) was established by Statute 29 of Ahmadu Bello University Laws following the promulgation of Decree 46 of 1976, which established the Nigeria Atomic Energy Commission (NAEC).CERT swung into action and eventually established modest nuclear facilities with collaboration of the IAEA and other international stakeholders from USA, Russia, China, etc.while all its activities are being carried out openly in line with international practice .
The statement added that this underscores the fact that Nigeria does not own or operate a uranium enrichment or fuel fabrication plant, anywhere on its territory as alleged in the video.
The statement therefore observed that Nigeria and ABU have always pursued peaceful applications of nuclear science and technology for the socio-economic development of the country.
It said this was demonstrated by the founder of the University through a visit to the Museum of Atomic Energy at Oak Ridge National Laboratory in the US on 22nd July, 1960.
This was even before he established the university in 1962. ABU established the Centre for Energy Research and Training to fulfill the dream of our founder through the provision of facilities and services for peaceful uses for the advancement of humanity.
