Nasarawa State University, Keffi (NSUK) has taken a significant step towards expanding its scientific research capacity and strengthening its contribution to national development following the signing of a strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Nigeria Atomic Energy Commission (NAEC).
The agreement, facilitated by the Vice-Chancellor of NSUK, Professor Sa’adatu Hassan Liman, was signed on Tuesday, August 11, 2026, at the NAEC headquarters in Abuja.
The partnership establishes a framework for collaboration between the two institutions in nuclear science and technology, with a focus on education, research, capacity development and the application of scientific knowledge to socio-economic development.
The agreement is part of Professor Liman’s broader efforts to expand NSUK’s strategic partnerships and strengthen the university’s capacity to develop science-based solutions to national challenges.
Speaking during the engagement, Professor Liman described the partnership as a major milestone in the relationship between NSUK and NAEC.
She highlighted the potential of the peaceful application of nuclear science and technology to transform critical sectors, including education, agriculture, healthcare and the wider economy.
According to the Vice-Chancellor, the collaboration will create new opportunities for academic staff, researchers and students while strengthening the university’s contribution to sustainable national development.
“This partnership is a significant milestone for Nasarawa State University, Keffi. By integrating nuclear science into our research and capacity-building frameworks, we are not only advancing education but actively contributing to the sustainable development of Nigeria,” Professor Liman said.
Under the terms of the MoU, NSUK and NAEC will collaborate on joint research projects, manpower exchange, shared utilisation of laboratory facilities and capacity-building workshops.
The agreement also provides for the exchange of scientific and technical information and the leveraging of international collaborations to expand opportunities for researchers and students.
One of the notable components of the partnership is the planned establishment of a Centre for Emergency Preparedness at NSUK, which is expected to strengthen institutional capacity in emergency preparedness and related areas.
Receiving the Vice-Chancellor and her delegation, the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of NAEC, Engr. Dr. Anthony Inalegwu Godwin Ekedegwa, described the agreement as strategic and mutually beneficial to both institutions.
Dr. Ekedegwa emphasised the importance of the peaceful application of nuclear technology to national development, particularly in areas such as medicine, agriculture and water resources.
He reaffirmed NAEC’s commitment to providing the necessary support to ensure the successful implementation of the partnership.
The collaboration is expected to broaden NSUK’s access to specialised scientific facilities, technical expertise and research opportunities while promoting knowledge exchange between experts from both institutions.
It is also expected to provide students and researchers with exposure to emerging technologies and competencies that could contribute to Nigeria’s scientific and technological development.
For NSUK, the agreement represents another step in the university’s drive to strengthen research, innovation and strategic institutional partnerships.
The partnership also aligns with the university’s broader ambition of becoming a research-driven and globally connected institution capable of translating academic knowledge into practical solutions to societal challenges.
The signing ceremony culminated in the formal execution of the MoU by the leadership of both institutions.
Professor Liman subsequently presented NSUK souvenirs to the NAEC Chief Executive, after which both delegations participated in a group photograph to commemorate the partnership.
The agreement is expected to provide a platform for sustained collaboration between NSUK and NAEC and further position the university as an emerging centre for scientific research, innovation and capacity development in Nigeria.
