By Khalid Idris Doya The management of Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University (ATBU), Bauchi, has denied a media report alleging that the insti...
By Khalid Idris Doya
The management of Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University (ATBU), Bauchi, has denied a media report alleging that the institution was poised to issue illegal postgraduate certificates to students of one of its affiliate institutions—the Federal College of Animal Health and Production Technology (FCAHPT), Vom—in contravention of National Universities Commission (NUC) regulations.
In a press release issued on Monday by the university’s Director of Information and Public Relations, Mr. Zailani Bappa, and made available to journalists in Bauchi, ATBU described the report published by Premium Times as misleading and damaging.
“The management of Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University has noted with grave concern a publication by the online medium Premium Times on Saturday, 21st June 2025, titled ‘Nigerian College Undertakes Illegal Academic Programme,’ in which the name of the University was wrongly implicated,” the statement read.
According to Bappa, FCAHPT Vom is one of seven institutions affiliated with ATBU. He explained that the college had applied to run both undergraduate and postgraduate programmes under the university’s Faculty of Agriculture and Agricultural Technology. These applications were forwarded to the NUC for consideration.
He clarified that while the NUC approved the undergraduate programme, it rejected the postgraduate proposal. Based on that decision, the university’s Senate declined the postgraduate request, and the college was duly informed.
“The claim that ATBU had finalised plans to illegally award postgraduate certificates is entirely false and unfounded,” the statement emphasised.
Bappa expressed disappointment with the publication, stating that the reporter had contacted the university’s Public Relations Directorate and was explicitly told that ATBU had no intention of issuing unapproved certificates.
“It has never happened and will not happen under this administration,” Bappa affirmed.
He also criticised the reporter for disregarding the university's official position and proceeding to publish what he described as “false and damaging” content.
The university reiterated its status as a federal institution with over four decades of commitment to academic excellence, discipline, and integrity.
“It is therefore regrettable that Premium Times chose to violate journalistic ethics by publishing a story clearly intended to tarnish the reputation of the university,” the statement added.
ATBU reassured stakeholders and the general public of its unwavering commitment to quality, legally accredited education, and its vision of becoming a world-class institution that serves the educational aspirations of Nigerian youth and others globally.
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