Czech Tokamak GOLEM Helps Advance Fusion Research in Nigeria
22.10.2025 / 16:54 | Aktualizováno: 22.10.2025 / 17:45
The first Nigerian School on Plasma Physics was inspired by CTU in Prague. Czech science opens new paths for cooperation in energy, education, and technology export. In September 2025, the University of Nigeria, Nsukka hosted the inaugural Nigerian School on Plasma Physics and Fusion Energy (NSPPFE) — the first program of its kind in West Africa, organized in collaboration with the Czech Technical University in Prague (CTU) and its GOLEM Tokamak team.
The initiative was founded by Mr. Godsfavour Chibueze Amanekwe, a Nigerian physicist who completed his master’s degree in plasma physics at CTU under Erasmus+.
“I’m truly happy that we made this happen. My hope is to help young scientists in my home country explore a field that no Nigerian university currently teaches — and which clearly represents the future of clean energy,” said Amanekwe.
NSPPFE
Czech fusion research connecting continents
From 14–20 September 2025, fifteen selected Nigerian students in physics and engineering took part in lectures and experiments led by experts from Czechia, India, Costa Rica, and Nigeria. With the support of CTU, participants were able to remotely operate the GOLEM Tokamak, the world’s oldest operational fusion device.
The experiments and discussions were supervised by Ing. Vojtěch Svoboda and Dr. Jana Brotánková of PlasmaLab@CTU, combining Czech scientific expertise with global collaboration.
Dr, Jana Brotánková CTU
The week-long school was co-funded by private sector sponsors, alongside Amanekwe’s personal investment — a sign of growing confidence among Nigerian companies in fusion energy as a viable field for future development.
Opportunities for Czech industry
The success of the Nigerian school opens new avenues for Czech companies — especially in sectors linked to high technology and research infrastructure:
- educational and laboratory systems,
- vacuum, diagnostic, and control technologies,
- cooperation on research and energy development projects in Africa.
Student presents findings of his group - NSPPFE
The initiative strengthens Czechia’s reputation as a trusted innovation partner and demonstrates how academic collaboration can lead to export opportunities in advanced technology and sustainable energy sectors.
According to the Embassy of the Czech Republic in Nigeria, which supported the project: “This success shows that Czech science can inspire and open new markets. Education and innovation are key to building a sustainable energy future — and Czechia is ready to contribute.”
Certificates for participants of NSPPFE
Export impact in brief
- Czech research visibility – CTU and the GOLEM Tokamak showcase Czech innovation abroad.
- Business potential – export prospects for Czech firms in research, diagnostics, and educational technology.
- Private confidence in fusion – corporate co-funding signals that fusion energy is gaining real commercial traction.
Students are working on a research problem - NSPPFE
Author: Mgr. Marie Nwanyanwu, Economic Diplomat, Embassy of the Czech Republic in Nigeria