Former Bauchi State Governor, Isa Yuguda, has backed the ATBU conversion to a conventional university. Other key stakeholders also expressed support during a Senate public hearing in Bauchi.
The hearing was organised by the Senate Committee on Tertiary Institutions and TETFUND. It focused on a bill seeking to amend the law establishing Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University (ATBU). Senator Mohammed Muntari Dandutse (APC–Katsina) chaired the session.
Yuguda said opposing the ATBU conversion would be unfair to Bauchi State and nearby communities. He explained that the move would expand academic opportunities. According to him, the university must respond to growing educational needs.
Yuguda Calls for Wider Academic Offerings
Yuguda recalled efforts to introduce medicine at ATBU during his tenure. He said the programme has produced more than 100 medical doctors. He added that other disciplines also deserve similar support.
Yuguda questioned why courses such as economics are unavailable at ATBU. Yuguda noted that arts and social science programmes remain limited. Therefore, he argued that the ATBU conversion to a conventional university would promote balance and growth.
ASUU Opposes ATBU Conversion Plan
The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), ATBU branch, opposed the proposal. Branch chairman Haruna Angulu presented the union’s position at the hearing.
Angulu said ASUU prefers increased funding for the specialised university. He warned that changing its status could weaken technology education. He also noted that ATBU is the only university of technology in the North-East.
Senate Explains Amendment Objective
Senate President Godswill Akpabio said lawmakers must review laws guiding public institutions. He stated that ATBU has expanded beyond its original framework.
Senator Dandutse said the amendment would improve governance. He added that it would allow new programmes in arts, humanities, and social sciences. Debate over the ATBU conversion continues among academics and policymakers.
