Nuclear Power's Hurdles in Nigeria: Expertise Abounds, Willingness Lacks — Samuel Ajayi, Researcher (International Edition)

Samuel Ajayi earned his first-class degree at the University of Ibadan and later obtained a master’s in Radiation and Health Physics from the same institution. He also completed his doctoral studies, specializing in experimental Nuclear Physics, at Florida State University. In an interview with PAUL OMOROGBOYE, Ajayi discusses his enthusiasm for nuclear physics research as it applies to healthcare, power generation, and national safety, along with topics like sustainable energy derived from nuclear means.

What influenced your decision to pursue studies in nuclear physics?

Several elements influenced my decision to focus on nuclear physics. One key motivation came from understanding the operating principles behind X-ray machines utilized in medical diagnostics. Visiting an institution where these devices were employed for medical imagery solidified my resolve when I learned that such advancements stemmed directly from physicists' comprehension of atomic structures. Additionally, delving into various courses about nuclear physics and their implications for energy production further fueled my enthusiasm. Consequently, during my master’s program at the University of Ibadan, I specialized in Radiation and Health Physics due to this burgeoning interest.

In what ways did your upbringing and surroundings shape the career path you have now?

I spent my childhood in Ososami, which is part of Ibadan, the capital city of Oyo State. My early education took place at two public secondary institutions: Baptist Secondary School and Oladipo Alayande School of Science. It was during this time that I initially fell in love with science subjects. Later, when preparing for the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME), I registered at Mustard Seed Unilab center located nearby. The founder of this center, Mr. John Okuwobi—who himself had pursued studies in Physics—somehow inspired me to follow his footsteps into physics. Given my strong performance in Math, Physics, and Chemistry, selecting Physics seemed like a natural choice since understanding why things function as they do has always fascinated me.

Could you share some details about what you've accomplished in this area until now?

My study focuses on unraveling the architecture of the atomic nucleus and exploring characteristics that could be applied in fields such as medicine, forensics, and energy production.

I explored the excited states of various isotopes with the aim of identifying novel gamma rays and understanding their characteristics. These features encompass energy levels, lifespans or half-lives, angular momenta, parities, among others. My research focused on four atomic nuclei derived from the nuclear chart at the John D Fox Linear Superconducting Accelerator Laboratory at Florida State University. The selected nuclei were 59Co, 61Co, 59Ni, and 62Ni. In my investigation, numerous new gamma rays, energy levels, spins (angular momenta), and parities were uncovered within these nuclei.

I also calculated the lifetimes and half-lives for relevant excited states in the nuclei. The application of this in the medical field for example will be when new radioisotopes are to be chosen for use in medical imaging and radiotherapy. The properties of nuclei to be used were considered based on the gamma ray energies, their half-lives, other radiations they emit. I have performed research at the top nuclear physics facilities in the world, like the Argonne National Laboratory in Illinois and the Facility for Rare Isotope Beam in Michigan, both in the United States

Of what usefulness is nuclear physics in a developing country like Nigeria?

Nigeria can benefit from the production of radioisotopes for the diagnosis and treatment of cancer. The gamma rays, beta particles, and alpha particles are very important in this area. Nigeria can also generate nuclear power free from carbon emissions. Nuclear forensics is also an aspect Nigeria can benefit from. The method used for my research is gamma spectroscopy, and this can be used to identify potentially harmful materials, which can find their way into the hands of terror groups

Do you think a dearth of professionals in this field will hinder investment in it?

I believe the issue Nigeria faces isn't the shortage of experts, but rather the reluctance to invest. Such investments would draw back the professionals dispersed worldwide. What demonstrates Nigeria’s commitment is investing in infrastructure like nuclear physics facilities, not squandering billions of naira on luxury vehicles, yachts, or home renovations for officials.

What are the potential benefits and risks associated with utilizing nuclear facilities, particularly for electricity production in Nigeria?

Nuclear physics facilities present opportunities to transform healthcare and aid numerous cancer patients lacking proper medical care. Additionally, these facilities can provide reliable electricity production. They also offer the potential to use forensic techniques to thwart terrorist activities and stop the illegal trafficking of hazardous nuclear substances. Key concerns include environmental risks from radioactive leaks, which nuclear physicists along with specialists in radiation and health physics are equipped to manage. Workers face exposure risks when operating in high-radiation zones; however, routine assessments of radiation levels within various bodily tissues guide decisions about continued work in such areas. Strict adherence to established dose limits for employees is crucial to ensure their safety.

Is nuclear energy considered a type of renewable energy, or is it merely classified as a source of clean energy?

Nuclear power isn’t considered renewable since the typical nuclear fuel—usually enriched uranium-235—is depleted during the fission process that produces electricity. Nonetheless, these sources are deemed sustainable due to their ability to yield vast amounts of energy even when only small quantities of fuel are utilized. In terms of environmental impact, nuclear energy stands out as a clean source because it doesn’t emit greenhouse gases such as CO2, which contribute to global warming. However, managing spent nuclear fuels requires careful handling; they must be securely stored in deep geological sites to prevent potential radioactive pollution.

Do you sincerely think Nigeria should go into nuclear for electricity?

I think Nigeria should go into nuclear for electricity generation. Like I mentioned earlier, this energy is sustainable. In theory, 1kg of enriched Uranium can produce 15MW of electricity over a period of one day. The energy released by the fission reaction with 1 kg of Uranium is equivalent to that released by 1.5 million kg of coal.

Uranium reserves exist in Nigeria, and our task is to begin exploiting this resource. We must enrich this uranium (transforming it from Uranium-238 to Uranium-235) and could collaborate with nations possessing such expertise or establish our own capabilities.

For instance, Niger has already begun extracting its own uranium, providing a significant portion of the required nuclear fuel for Europe. Should Nigeria decide to take this seriously, an arrangement could be made with various nations to import enriched uranium as they develop their domestic enrichment capabilities.

Regarding the nuclear reactor, I know there was once an accord between the Nigerian government and certain international entities to construct some in Nigeria. This arrangement could be revisited, and efforts initiated to move forward with this plan. Properly executed, it has the potential to address Nigeria’s power supply issues effectively.

Provided by Syndigate Media Inc. ( Syndigate.info ).

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