The management of Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria, has dismissed as false and misleading a viral social media video claiming that the institution was involved in developing a nuclear weapon for Nigeria.
The university described the video as an artificial intelligence (AI) generated fabrication aimed at misinforming the public about Nigeria’s peaceful nuclear energy programme and tarnishing the reputation of the institution.
This was contained in a statement issued on Saturday in Zaria by Malam Auwalu Umar, Director, Public Affairs Directorate of the university, and made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).
According to Umar, the viral video falsely alleged that Nigerian scientists secretly enriched weapons-grade uranium in Kaduna in the 1980s and that ABU researchers obtained centrifugal equipment from the AQ Khan network in Pakistan. He described the claims as baseless, unfounded, and unsubstantiated.
“The allegations are completely false and misleading,” Umar said. “They are designed to create unnecessary fear and to misrepresent Nigeria’s peaceful nuclear energy programme. The so-called documentary is a product of misinformation, lacking any factual basis or credible source.”
He clarified that most of the scientists at ABU’s Centre for Energy Research and Training (CERT) were still undergoing training abroad in the 1980s and could not have participated in any uranium enrichment activity.
“The university had no connection with the AQ Khan network and never received any equipment for the construction of a centrifuge or any nuclear device,” he stated.
Umar explained that as of 1987, the only nuclear-related facility at ABU was a 14 MeV Neutron Generator, which became operational in 1988. He added that Nigeria’s first nuclear reactor, known as the Nigeria Research Reactor-1 (NIRR-1), was not established until 1996 under the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Technical Cooperation Programme and was officially commissioned in 2004.
He stressed that all of Nigeria’s nuclear activities have been conducted transparently and strictly for peaceful purposes, in accordance with the nation’s international obligations under the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) and the Pelindaba Treaty, both of which prohibit the development of nuclear weapons.
“The Centre for Energy Research and Training, established in 1976, operates under the supervision of the Nigerian Atomic Energy Commission (NAEC) and in collaboration with the IAEA,” Umar said. “It also partners with international research institutions in the United States, Russia, and China. At no point in its history has the centre engaged in any secret weapons-related programme.”
He noted that the Centre’s research focus remains on peaceful applications of nuclear science and technology, including radiation safety, nuclear medicine, agricultural improvements, and industrial development.
Umar reaffirmed ABU’s commitment to advancing scientific research for national development while maintaining strict adherence to global non-proliferation standards.
“ABU has always pursued peaceful applications of nuclear science and technology for the benefit of humanity. We have never been, and will never be, part of any project related to weapons development,” he declared.
He added that the institution’s founder, Sir Ahmadu Bello, showed interest in peaceful atomic research as far back as 1960, when he visited the Museum of Atomic Energy at Oak Ridge National Laboratory in the United States two years before the establishment of the university.
“This early vision of exploring atomic energy for peaceful and developmental purposes remains at the core of the university’s research philosophy,” he said.
Umar warned the public against circulating or believing unverified information on social media, especially videos generated through artificial intelligence, which he said could be easily manipulated to spread misinformation.
“The university urges the general public to disregard the viral video and to rely on verified information from credible sources. We also call on media practitioners to help in countering fake news by verifying content before publication,” the statement added.
He reaffirmed that ABU remains committed to transparency, academic excellence, and scientific advancement in line with Nigeria’s national development goals and international commitments.
“The management of Ahmadu Bello University reiterates its dedication to the peaceful and responsible use of science and technology. Our mission continues to focus on research, teaching, and community service that contribute positively to human progress,” Umar stated.
The university’s management, therefore, restated its position that Nigeria’s nuclear engagements are entirely peaceful, open, and internationally regulated. It called on citizens to dismiss the false narrative linking the institution to any form of nuclear weapons development.
