Professor Rabia Sa’id of Bayero University, Kano (BUK), has been appointed by the United Nations Secretary-General to serve on a 21-member scientific panel established to examine the physical effects and societal consequences of nuclear war.
The appointment was announced by Bayero University, Kano, which disclosed that the panel was constituted under UN General Assembly Resolution 79/238.
The panel brings together leading scientists from across the world to assess the existential risks posed by nuclear conflict and is expected to submit its findings in 2027, alongside recommendations to strengthen global policies on nuclear risk reduction, international security, and humanitarian protection.
Professor Sa’id, an atmospheric physicist, obtained her Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Doctorate degrees in Physics from Bayero University, Kano. She later earned a Master’s degree in Environment and Development from the University of Reading, United Kingdom, through a Ford Foundation Fellowship.
Her appointment adds to a distinguished academic career. As one of the first two female academics appointed to BUK’s Department of Physics, she helped break gender barriers in the discipline and inspired more women to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).
Beyond her expertise in atmospheric physics, space weather, electronics, and particle physics, Professor Sa’id is widely recognised for developing practical scientific solutions to environmental challenges.
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Her research includes the development of eco-friendly fuel briquettes from carpentry waste as an alternative to firewood, a project aimed at reducing deforestation and promoting environmental sustainability.
She also spearheaded innovative, low-cost air quality monitoring initiatives that integrate ground-based sensor data with satellite observations to improve climate and environmental monitoring.
The appointment underscores Nigeria’s growing contribution to global scientific research and highlights the country’s capacity to provide world-class expertise in addressing complex international security and environmental challenges.
