Bill Seeking Conversion of ATBU to Conventional Varsity Stirs Controversy in Bauchi

By Hassan Ibrahim 

A bill before the National Assembly proposing to convert Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University (ATBU), Bauchi, from a specialised university of technology into a conventional institution has triggered intense debate among stakeholders in the state.

The bill, sponsored by Senator Shehu Buba Umar (Bauchi South), seeks to expand ATBU’s academic mandate to include general disciplines such as Law, Medicine, Pharmacy, Education, Arts and Humanities. It is currently at the public hearing stage in the Senate.

While some stakeholders argue that the conversion would broaden educational opportunities and boost the local economy, the university management, alumni and several internal groups have roundly rejected the proposal, saying it is ill-conceived and procedurally flawed.

At a press conference in Bauchi, ATBU Vice-Chancellor Professor Ibrahim Hassan Garba, represented by Registrar Kabiru Garba Aminu, faulted the entire legislative process.

“The university has not been contacted at any stage,” he said. “Any process aimed at amending our law must involve our established organs, the Governing Council and the University Senate. These bodies must agree on any amendment.”

The VC added that even supervising agencies, including the Ministry of Education and the National Universities Commission (NUC), were not consulted.

“We only heard about the bill through media reports. The process is fundamentally flawed, and we do not accept it,” he said.

The university further noted that staff unions, students, alumni and the host community, key stakeholders were excluded from the consultations. ATBU has since written formal objections to the National Assembly, the Minister of Education, the NUC and other relevant bodies.

ATBU National Alumni President, Muhammad Sani Wada, also rejected the bill, warning that altering the university’s specialised mandate would undermine decades of investment in science and technology education.

“ATBU was established with a clear mission to drive technological advancement, particularly in Northern Nigeria. Any change to its mandate must involve the university,” he said.

He highlighted the uniqueness of ATBU’s Bachelor of Technology (B.Tech) programmes, which include a full year of industrial training, unlike conventional B.Sc. Engineering programmes that run for four years.

“This additional practical exposure gives ATBU graduates an edge in the workforce,” he noted.

Wada confirmed that the management and alumni have petitioned the National Assembly to suspend the bill pending proper consultation.

Proponents: “Conversion Will Correct Inequity and Boost Development”

However, a coalition of stakeholders led by former Bauchi NBA Chairman, Barr. Jibrin S. Jibrin, supports the conversion, arguing that it aligns with global trends toward multidisciplinary universities.

“By expanding ATBU’s mandate to include a full range of disciplines, the university will become a major national training ground for future professionals across all sectors,” Jibrin said.

He added that the development would transform Bauchi State’s educational landscape and contribute significantly to regional growth.

“A conventional university attracts more staff, stimulates local commerce, boosts housing and services, drives innovation through public-private partnerships, and reduces the need for students to migrate to other states,” he argued.

Citing examples such as the University of Maiduguri and Federal University Lafia, he said diversification often triggers rapid growth in host communities supporting small businesses, healthcare services, and the real estate sector.

Jibrin also made a symbolic case, invoking the legacy of the university’s namesake.

“Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa was a teacher, reformer and nation-builder who believed in education as a unifying force. Transforming the university named after him into a comprehensive institution would reflect his vision,” he said.

He maintained that the change would not diminish ATBU’s strength in science and technology, adding that top STEM-performing institutions in Northern Nigeriaincluding ABU Zaria and Bayero University Kano are conventional universities

“With the right structures, both conventional and specialised universities perform excellently in STEM. The conversion will not erase ATBU’s legacy, it will improve upon it,” he added.