By Muhammad Mamman
Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria, has firmly denied allegations circulating on social media that it is secretly involved in developing nuclear weapons for Nigeria.
In a statement released on Saturday, the university described the viral video making the claim as “false, mischievous and grossly misleading,” stressing that ABU remains an academic institution dedicated solely to research, innovation and national development within the bounds of the law.
According to the university’s management, the footage — which has been widely shared online — falsely suggested that scientists at ABU were working covertly with government agencies on a nuclear weapons programme. The institution dismissed the claims as a deliberate attempt to damage its reputation and misinform the public.
“Ahmadu Bello University has no involvement whatsoever in the development of nuclear or any other form of weapons. Our research activities are transparent and strictly adhere to international academic and ethical standards,” the statement read.
The university clarified that its Department of Physics and related faculties conduct legitimate studies in nuclear science, energy and material physics, all of which focus on peaceful applications such as medicine, energy generation and environmental safety.
ABU reaffirmed its commitment to supporting Nigeria’s scientific and technological progress through lawful, peaceful and globally recognised research programmes.
“We urge the public to disregard such baseless propaganda and to verify information from credible sources before spreading it further,” the management added.
Security analysts have also weighed in, noting that Nigeria, as a signatory to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT), is bound by international law to refrain from pursuing nuclear arms development.
The viral video has since been flagged by fact-checkers and reported to the relevant authorities for investigation into its source and intent.
