Education Minister, Professor Tahir Mamman, has instructed the National Universities Commission (NUC) to expedite the finalization of the Nuclear Energy Curriculum.
This directive aims to expedite the commencement of training programs for Nuclear Scientists and Technologists within Nigerian Universities, the Nigerian Atomic Energy Commission, and Polytechnics.
During a recent meeting at his office in Abuja, Tahir Mamman conveyed this directive through the Minister of State for Education, Honourable Dr. Yusuf Tanko Sununu. During the occasion, the education minister engaged with the leadership of the Nigerian Nuclear Energy Commission, who paid him a courtesy call.
In addition to pushing for the swift implementation of the curriculum, Mamman affirmed the federal government’s commitment to prioritizing scholarships for students interested in pursuing studies in nuclear science and related courses, both domestically and abroad.
Highlighting the collaborative efforts in progress, Yusuf Aminu Ahmed, the Director-General of the Nigerian Atomic Energy Commission (NAEC), shared that the commission is currently forging partnerships with countries such as Korea and China to fulfill its training requirements for Nuclear Scientists. However, he stressed the importance of turning attention inward for a more sustainable approach.
Ahmed emphasized the critical role of human capital development in the country’s pursuit of a nuclear program to meet its energy and pharmaceutical needs. This move aligns with the broader national strategy to enhance local expertise and reduce dependency on external collaborations in the field of nuclear science.
As Nigeria takes bold steps toward bolstering its presence in the realm of nuclear technology, the Education Minister’s directive sets the stage for a significant leap forward in the nation’s scientific and technological landscape.