Nigerian physicist appointed to UN panel on nuclear war consequences

Rabia Sa’id, a physicist at Bayero University, Kano (BUK), has been appointed by the United Nations Secretary-General to a prestigious global scientific panel. The 21-member group will investigate the physical effects and societal consequences of nuclear war.

The panel, established under UN General Assembly Resolution 79/238, comprises leading scientists tasked with evaluating existential global nuclear threats. Their findings, due in 2027, are intended to inform international policy on nuclear risk reduction, global security, and humanitarian protection.

Professor Sa’id, who holds multiple degrees in Physics from BUK and a Master's in Environment and Development from the University of Reading, is a trailblazer. She was among the first two female academics appointed to BUK's Physics Department, breaking gender barriers in STEM fields in Nigeria. Her research spans atmospheric physics, space-weather physics, electronics, and particle physics.

Beyond theoretical contributions, Professor Sa’id is known for applying scientific expertise to practical environmental challenges. She developed eco-friendly fuel briquettes from carpentry waste to combat deforestation and led initiatives for low-cost air quality monitoring using ground and satellite data. Her appointment underscores Nigeria's capacity to provide high-level scientific expertise for international diplomacy and safety efforts.