The International Atomic Energy Agency, IAEA, has made a generous contribution by donating nuclear research equipment to Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria. The upgraded Instrumentation and Control System (I&C) of the Nigeria Research Reactor-1 (NIRR-1) has been acquired for installation at the university’s distinguished Centre for Energy Research and Training (CERT).
Auwalu Umar, Director of the Public Affairs Directorate at the institution, revealed this significant development in a statement released on Monday in Zaria. Mr. Umar stated that the equipment, valued at N150 million, were procured from the China Institute of Atomic Energy, Beijing, the pioneering designers of the research reactors, under the IAEA Purchase Order issued in 2022.
The donation of the equipment by IAEA follows the irreparable damage of CERT’s Computer Control Console some years ago, demonstrating the alliance’s commitment to supporting the institution’s research initiatives. The centre has already taken receipt of the equipment, which were delivered on Friday.
In light of this remarkable contribution, a four-member team of Chinese experts arrived in Zaria on Sunday to commence the installation of the upgraded systems at the centre, as scheduled to begin on Monday.
“When completed, the project will enhance the capabilities of the research reactors in terms of operations, safety, and utilization,” Umar commented, highlighting the profound impact of this initiative.
Prof. Sunday Jonah, the Director of the centre, accompanied the Chinese experts on a courtesy visit to the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Kabiru Bala. During the meeting, Jonah conveyed that the team, led by Prof. Yiguo Li of the Research Reactors Department at the China Institute of Atomic Energy, is expected to conclude the installation within the next 10 days.
In his commendation of Prof. Bala and the university’s management staff for their unwavering support, Prof. Jonah lauded ABU as the sole institution in Africa with research reactors located on its campus. Additionally, he affirmed that the Nigeria Atomic Energy Commission (NAEC) and the Nigerian Nuclear Regulatory Authority (NNRA) are fully apprised of this noteworthy development.
Expressing his elation over the arrival of the Chinese experts for the installation, Vice-Chancellor Prof. Kabiru Bala emphasized the substantial value that the project will bring to the research activities conducted at the centre. This significant advancement underscores the university’s commitment to cutting-edge research and scientific innovation.
NAN
