Abdou Moumouni Dioffo

Abdou Moumouni Dioffo
Born	(1929-06-26)26 June 1929 Tessaoua, Niger
Died	7 April 1991(1991-04-07) (aged 61) Niamey, Niger
Resting place	Kirtachi, Niger
Nationality	Nigerien
Education	École William Ponty Sorbonne University
Spouse	Aïssata Moumouni
Scientific career
Fields	Physical Sciences
Institutions	Abdou Moumouni University

Abdou Moumouni Dioffo (June 26, 1929 – April 7, 1991) was a Nigerien physicist, professor, and activist, known for his contributions to alternative energies, particularly solar energy.

Early life and education

Born in Tessaoua, Niger, to an aristocratic Zarma family originally from Kirtachi, Dioffo completed his early education at Zinder Regional School and Niamey Primary School. Subsequently, he pursued his academic path in Senegal, attending the École William Ponty in Sébikotane from 1944 to 1947 and later the Lycée Van Hollenhoven in Dakar. Dioffo then pursued higher education in Paris, embarking on preparatory studies for the grande écoles at the Lycée Saint-Louis from 1949 to 1951.

He obtained a bachelor's degree in Physical Sciences in 1953, a Graduate Diploma in 1954 and untimately a State Doctorate in physical sciences in 1967 at the Sorbonne University in Paris, complemented by a scholarship from the Academy of Sciences of the USSR from 1962 to 1964.

Professional career

Dioffo served in various educational institutions, including the Van Vollenhoven High School in Dakar, Lycée Donka in Conakry, Classical and Modern College of Niamey, and the École normale supérieure de Bamako. He established and directed the Solar Energy Laboratory of the Republic of Mali from 1964 to 1969, contributing significantly to the field of solar energy.

Returning to Niger in 1969, Abdou Moumouni assumed leadership roles, heading the Niger Solar Energy Office (ONERSOL) until 1985. He held the position of president at the University of Niamey from 1979 to 1982 and concurrently served as a professor of physical sciences at the university's Faculty of Science from 1975 to 1991.

Contributions to solar energy

Abdou Moumouni emerged as a renowned specialist in solar energy, overseeing crucial research projects and contributing significantly to the advancement of renewable energy. His influence extended to his roles as a consultant for the Government of Algeria, UNESCO, the African Development Bank, the International Monetary Fund (IMF), and the World Bank. He played a pivotal role in the UNESCO International Congress, "The Sun at the Service of Humanity."

Works and publications

His notable contributions include the influential book "L'éducation en Afrique" (Education in Africa), published by Maspéro in 1964, offering a groundbreaking perspective on the need to reform education in post-colonial Africa. In addition to his book, Abdou Moumouni produced significant theses, scientific articles, and patents, contributing extensively to the theoretical and practical aspects of solar energy utilization. He is a founding member of the Black African Students Federation in France(FEANF) and the African Independence Party (PAI).

Legacy

He died on April 7, 1991, in Niamey and was buried in his hometown, Kirtachi. After his death, a foundation was created by his parents, friends and colleagues. To honor Abdou Moumouni Dioffo's enduring impact, the University of Niamey was renamed "Abdou Moumouni University" in 1992. However, despite his significant contributions, a comprehensive documentation gap persists regarding his life and work. His legacy is remembered through the foundation established by colleagues and friends after his death, aiming to perpetuate his vision of science, education, and research on renewable energies.

Honours

• Commander of the National Order of Niger
• Officer of the Academic Palms of Niger
• "Guinness Awards for scientific achievement"
• World Intellectual Property Organization Gold Medal Diploma

Scientific communications

Abdou Moumouni Dioffo was a prolific contributor to the scientific community, engaging in numerous conferences, articles, and communications. His notable scientific communications include:

• New Experimental Results on Concentrated Radiation (1966)

  - Published in the Proceedings of the Académie des Sciences, Paris, this work presented novel experimental findings on the energy distribution curve of concentrated radiation in the focal plane of precise parabolic mirrors.

• Theoretical Justification of Experimental Results (1966)

  - Featured in the Weekly Session of the Paris Academy of Sciences, this paper delved into the theoretical underpinnings of experimental results regarding the distribution of concentrated energy in the focal plane of precise parabolic mirrors.

• Analysis of Thermoelectric Radiometers (1968)

  - Published in the Revue générale de thermique, this article scrutinized the operation of thermoelectric radiometers with absorbent receiving discs under varying conditions of speed, providing insights into their specificities.

• Theoretical Study of Optical Characteristics (1968)

  - Presented in the Revue d'optique théorique et expérimentale, this study explored the optical characteristics of a system of dielectric blades. It discussed applications related to the capture of solar radiation and the polarization of light by refraction.

• Contribution to Thermoelectric Systems (1973)

  - Shared during the Congress "The Sun at the Service of Man" at UNESCO, this contribution focused on the study and experimentation of a solar water heater adapted to the conditions of the Sahel region.

• ONERSOL Solar Engine (1977)

  - Addressing the applications of solar energy, Abdou Moumouni presented the ONERSOL solar engine at a conference in Toulouse, shedding light on advancements in solar collector technology.

• Possibilities and Limitations of Renewable Energy in Africa (1990)

  - Delivered to the African Development Bank, World Bank, and UNDP, this communication provided a comprehensive overview of the possibilities and limitations of renewable energy in the African context.

• Solar Energy Utilization for Developing Countries (1972)

  - Contributing to a report by the National Academy of Science in Washington, Abdou Moumouni explored the utilization of solar energy in developing countries, emphasizing its potential impact on energy production.