The Development of Curriculum and Training Materials for a Certificate Course in Nuclear Security for Scientists, Technicians and Engineers in Nigeria

This paper discusses the development of curriculum and training materials for the award of certificate in nuclear security targeting specialists in the various competent authorities in nuclear and related institutions in Nigeria. The institutions include Nuclear Research Centres, the Nuclear Regulatory Organization, Universities, Polytechnics, other tertiary institutions and security agencies. Based on their vantage positions in the country, the program is being designed to equip the specialists (Scientists, Technicians and Engineers) with in-depth knowledge of relevant national laws, agreements, and international resolutions and protocols guiding the use of nuclear and radioactive materials in order to protect critical national nuclear infrastructure. It also includes an introduction to basic nuclear physics and familiarity with facilities used in detection and response to malicious acts involving nuclear security for stakeholders who may not necessarily be nuclear scientists, technicians or engineers. Consequently, the curriculum being developed will cut across a diverse group that are not necessarily scientists but with first degree in the fields of science, engineering, law and social sciences. In order to achieve this objective, reference was made to several documents on education and training in nuclear security issued by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). Furthermore, discussions were held with faculty in United State universities with vast experience in nuclear security education and training programs. The course outline and material being developed under the auspices of the US Partner for Nuclear Security (PNS) Grant are hereby presented