Radiation: Nuclear Physicist Urges Nigerians to Emulate Tinubu’s School Phone Ban

By Cyprian Ebele, Onitsha

A renowned nuclear physicist, traditional leader and humanitarian, Uche Joseph Nwakor, has raised concerns over the potential health risks associated with radiation exposure from electronic devices, urging Nigerians to adopt safer technology habits and support public enlightenment initiatives.

Nwakor, who is the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Choniks Electronic Technologies, Lagos, gave the warning on Thursday while delivering a public lecture on the potential dangers of radiation exposure from mobile phones, laptops, microwave ovens, television sets, telephone masts, scanners and other electronic gadgets.

The lecture, held in Onitsha, Anambra State, attracted a large audience comprising students, teachers, parents, religious leaders, traditional rulers, town union executives, health workers, market leaders, security personnel and other members of the public.

He explained that the sensitization programme was part of a nationwide free public enlightenment campaign initiated by his company to educate Nigerians about radiation, its possible health implications and precautionary measures.

The nuclear physicist also commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for what he described as his foresight in recognizing the need to regulate students’ access to mobile phones while serving as Governor of Lagos State.

According to him, Tinubu’s reported directive to secondary school principals to confiscate phones brought to school by students was a demonstration of concern for discipline, academic concentration and the welfare of young people.

Nwakor argued that restricting students’ access to mobile phones during school hours could help minimize distractions, improve academic performance and discourage excessive dependence on digital devices.

He said the initiative reflected the importance of prioritizing children’s education, moral development and well-being in an increasingly technology-driven society.

Describing his company’s sensitization campaign as an expression of corporate social responsibility, Nwakor said the initiative was designed to complement government efforts towards building a healthier and more prosperous Nigeria under the Renewed Hope Agenda.

“Government alone cannot do it. We must all join hands. If we love Nigeria, we must protect the health of Nigerians,” he said.

In his presentation, Nwakor explained that radiation could be invisible and undetectable by human senses, stressing the importance of understanding different types of radiation and adopting appropriate safety precautions.

He identified mobile phones, laptops, Wi-Fi routers, microwave ovens, television sets, telephone masts and other electronic equipment as sources of electromagnetic radiation, although their emission levels and associated health risks differ.

He expressed concern over prolonged and excessive use of electronic devices, particularly among children and young people, and urged Nigerians to exercise moderation in their daily technology habits.

The physicist further highlighted several health concerns, including cancer, brain tumours, cardiovascular complications, memory difficulties, reproductive health challenges and other illnesses, which he associated with prolonged radiation exposure.

He, however, called for greater public awareness and access to credible scientific information to enable citizens to distinguish between established radiation risks and claims that require further medical investigation.

Nwakor also appealed to Nigerians to embrace responsible technology use, recalling the late Pope Francis’ position that technology should serve humanity rather than enslave or undermine human dignity.

Offering practical safety recommendations, he advised Nigerians against sleeping with mobile phones under their pillows or keeping them unnecessarily close to their heads.

He also recommended limiting prolonged laptop use on the laps, reducing unnecessary screen time, particularly at night, keeping electronic devices away from young children when not in use and switching off Wi-Fi routers and mobile data when they are unnecessary.

He further encouraged regular medical check-ups, physical exercise, adequate rest and healthy lifestyles, while urging relevant authorities to ensure that telecommunications infrastructure complies with established safety standards.

On education, Nwakor advocated stronger restrictions on mobile phone use among secondary school students and children below 18 years, arguing that excessive access to phones and social media could undermine academic concentration and responsible childhood development.

“Our children are our future, our hope and our pride. We must not sacrifice their health, their brains, their morals and their future on the altar of uncontrolled phone usage and social media addiction,” he warned.

He urged parents, teachers, school proprietors, religious institutions and government agencies to work together in promoting responsible digital habits and protecting children from the potential negative consequences of excessive technology use.

The nuclear physicist also called on political leaders, corporate organisations, philanthropists, public-spirited individuals and other well-meaning Nigerians to support medical outreaches, health education programmes and community-based sensitization campaigns.

He maintained that sustained public enlightenment, responsible technology use and collaboration between government and private organisations were essential to building a healthier, better-informed and more productive society.