By Rauf Oyewole
Former ExecConversion of ATBU to conventional university means backwardness —Bogoroutive Secretary of Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFUND), Prof. Suleiman Bogoro has opposed the plans to convert the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University (ATBU) to a conventional institution, describing the plan as a way of embracing backwardness.
Bogoro said this on Thursday when the Management of the University renamed the Senate building after the second Vice Chancellor, Prof. Buba G. Bajoga, who died in London hospital on 5th February.
Bajoga's brilliant foundation laying for the university has earned him immortality. He was a managing director of the Nigerian Telecommunications Limited (NITEL). Bajoga spearheaded reforms that connected millions, bridging the digital divide and propelling Nigeria toward amodern communications era.
While speaking, Bogoro said the University is one of the flagship of science and technology institutions in Nigeria.
He said: “When some people for whatever reason suggest that ATBU should be reverted or that ATBU should be revised, let's put it that way, revised to a conventional university, I shouted over the rooftop.
“I said it is unacceptable. ATBU is one of the best in science and technology. The best crop of scientists and engineers in Nigeria are from here. You should be proud of that. The suggestion that we go back as a conventional university is to say we want to embrace backwardness.
“So for those that suggested that we should go become a conventional university, for me it was a direct slap to our faces. ATBU has been rated as the best technology university in this part of the country for a long time.
The Vice-Chancellor of the University, Prof. Ibrahim Garba, described Bajoga as the architect of ATBU's formative years. “With unwavering vision, firmness and unyielding dedication, he transformed a nascent university into a beacon of excellence in Bauchi and beyond, producing scholars that shone in their chosen careers.
Under his stewardship, he said that ATBU flourished through innovative curriculum development, strategic infrastructure growth, and a commitment to nurturing talents that would proudly shape Nigeria's future.
“He embodied the pioneering spirit of Abubakar Tafawa Balewa himself, resolute, inclusive, and forward-thinking, laying foundations that we, his successors, continue to build upon with pride and passion,” he said.
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