By Khalid Idris Doya Concerned members of the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University (ATBU) Alumni have called on President Bola Ah...
By Khalid Idris Doya
Concerned members of the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University (ATBU) Alumni have called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to support and expedite the approval process for converting the institution into a conventional university if the Nigerian Senate pass the bill. The bill, currently at the public hearing stage, was sponsored by Senator Shehu Buba Umar.
They emphasized that education remained the bedrock of national development, noting that the ongoing initiative to reposition ATBU reflects a bold step toward expanding access to diverse academic opportunities in Bauchi State and the entire Northeast.
In a passionate appeal letter addressed to President Tinubu through Bauchi State Governor, Senator Bala Mohammed, the group lamented that despite being the most populous state in the Northeast, Bauchi remains the only state in the region without a conventional federal university.
Speaking during an appeal rally held in Bauchi on Thursday, the Chief Convener, Comrade Ibrahim Hashim Abdullahi, said ATBU was established originally as a university of technology and has significantly contributed to national growth by producing highly skilled graduates in engineering, sciences, and related fields.
"With profound honor and respect, we, as stakeholders, students, alumni, and concerned citizens of Bauchi State, express our deep appreciation to the Federal Government and the Bauchi State Government for their unwavering commitment to improving the educational landscape of our dear state and the Northeast," he said.
"However, the needs of our growing population now extend far beyond science and technology. Converting ATBU to a conventional university will open academic opportunities in law, social sciences, medicine, education, and the humanities, fields essential for holistic national development."
Ibrahim, a former NUBASS National President, further noted that ATBU carries the prestigious name of Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa, Nigeria's first Prime Minister, who dedicated his life to unity, progress, and education. According to him, transforming the university into a comprehensive institution would reflect the breadth of Tafawa Balewa's vision for Nigeria.
He drew parallels with the recent restructuring of the University of Agriculture, Makurdi, now renamed Joseph Tarka University in honour of another national icon, "If Makurdi could be transformed to immortalize Joseph Tarka, it is only fitting that ATBU be expanded in honour of Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa," he said.
The group stressed that the rapid population growth in Bauchi State, the Northeast, and Nigeria has outpaced the capacity of a specialised institution. They argued that conventionalisation would create new opportunities for students seeking non-science disciplines while also stimulating local economic growth, generating employment, and fostering social cohesion.
They added that the move aligns with the federal government's commitment to equitable distribution of educational infrastructure across the country.
The Concerned Members also commended Senator Shehu Buba Umar of Bauchi South Senatorial District and other lawmakers for sponsoring the bill seeking to amend the ATBU Establishment Act to grant the university conventional status.
They urged President Tinubu and relevant federal authorities to give the initiative full backing as the bill proceeds through legislative processes and public hearings.
"We once again thank the Federal and Bauchi State Governments for their continued investment in education. We passionately appeal for the speedy consideration and approval of the ongoing process to conventionalise Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, Bauchi.
"This noble transformation will not only honour the memory of Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa but also stand as a lasting legacy of the Renewed Hope Agenda, bringing inclusive education, development, and opportunity to millions across the Northeast and Nigeria," they concluded.
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