Prof. Rabia Sa’id, a physicist at Bayero University, Kano has been appointed by the United Nations Secretary-General, António Guterres, to serve on a 21-member scientific panel studying the physical effects and societal impact of nuclear war.
Below are things to know about her:
Birth
Born on 21 April 1963 in Wangara, Gezawa Local Government Area of Kano State, she began her university education at the age of 29, after running a nursery school to finance her studies while raising a family.
Education
She earned her B.Sc., M.Sc., and Ph.D. in Physics from Bayero University and an additional M.Sc. in Environment and Development from the University of Reading through a Ford Foundation fellowship.
She joined BUK in 1999 as a Graduate Assistant and became one of the first two female academics in the university’s Department of Physics. She attained the rank of full professor in 2019.
Leading Nigerian physicist
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Professor Rabia Sa’id specializes in atmospheric and space-weather physics, with research interests in climate, aerosols, renewable energy, and environmental sustainability.
She was appointed to a prestigious UN scientific panel
In 2025, UN Secretary-General António Guterres appointed her to a 21-member independent scientific panel to assess the physical and societal effects of nuclear war. The panel is expected to submit its report to the UN General Assembly in 2027.
Only Nigerian on the panel
Professor Sa’id is the only Nigerian and among the few Africans selected, giving Nigeria representation in a major global scientific initiative on nuclear risk and disarmament.
She co-founded the Nigeria Association of Women Physicists and has mentored many young women pursuing careers in science and engineering.
Experience in science diplomacy
She has participated in UN Commission on the Status of Women (CSW) sessions and has worked on science diplomacy, environmental advocacy, and nuclear non-proliferation initiatives. She was also a visiting fellow at the James Martin Center for Nonproliferation Studies.
International recognition
Her honours include the OWSD/Elsevier Foundation Award for Women Scientists in the Developing World (2015). She has also been featured among inspiring women scientists for her contributions to STEM and environmental research.
Significant of her appointment to Nigeria
Her selection highlights Nigeria’s growing contribution to global science and policy discussions on nuclear risk, climate, public health, and international security.
