Ahmadu Bello University (ABU) Zaria will soon celebrate 20 years of safe and successful operations of its nuclear research reactor and its contribution to Nigeria’s socio-economic development.

Malam Auwalu Umar, Director, Public Affairs Directorate of the university, made this known in a statement issued on Wednesday in Zaria.

He said the nuclear reactor, code named ‘Nigeria Research Reactor – 1 (NIRR-1)’ was domiciled at the ABU’s Centre for Energy Research and Training (CERT).

He added that the reactor was a major training facility for the introduction of nuclear power for electricity generation in the country.

“As part of the events slated for the celebration was a one-day symposium at CERT,

“The symposium has ‘20 Years of Nigeria Nuclear Research Reactor – 1 (NRR-1): Achievements, Challenges, and Prospects’ as its theme,” he said.

BRANDPOWER reports that a nuclear reactor is a device used to generate power

Nuclear fission takes place as a controlled chain reaction, producing heat energy that is generally used to drive turbines and provide electric power.

Nuclear reactors are used as a source of power in large power grids and in submarines.