Yuguda slams critics of ATBU conversion, says Bauchi students deserve wider academic options
By Ahmed Ahmed
Former Bauchi State Governor, Malam Isa Yuguda, has criticised stakeholders resisting the proposed conversion of Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University (ATBU) Bauchi from a university of technology into a conventional university, describing their opposition as a major setback to the state’s educational development.
He stated this in an interview with journalists at the end of the Senate Committee public hearing on the Bill to amend the ATBU Act 2025, held recently in Abuja.
Yuguda said the modification was long overdue and essential for expanding academic opportunities for young people in Bauchi and across the North-East.
His comments come against the backdrop of strong objections by the ATBU management to a legislative proposal sponsored by Senator Shehu Buba (Bauchi South), seeking to transform the institution into a conventional university.
Yuguda, who narrated his personal experiences and past struggles to secure the inclusion of Medicine as a course at ATBU, noted that the university now produces over 100 medical doctors.
He argued that the successful introduction of a non-technology course like Medicine reinforces the need for broader academic diversification.
The former governor questioned why courses such as Economics and other humanities remain excluded, despite their national relevance.
“I am a graduate of Economics and an accountant. If Economics is not being run in the institution, why shouldn’t we fight for the school to start offering Economics and other related courses?
“The school is already running several technology programmes,” he said.According to him, converting ATBU into a conventional university is necessary for the institution to compete favourably with others.
He pointed out that ATBU currently ranks 31st among Nigerian universities, with the top six all being conventional universities an indication, he said, that wider course offerings could boost both ranking and competitiveness.
Yuguda also expressed concern that limiting ATBU strictly to technology-based programmes deprives students of opportunities to pursue fields such as humanities, law, medicine, and other essential disciplines.
“This, he said, restricts the aspirations of young people who should have access to a broad spectrum of academic options within their home state.
He reminded stakeholders that Bauchi had long advocated for this transition, even before Modibbo Adama University in Yola, which has since successfully transformed into a fully conventional university following united support from its stakeholders.
“They adopted the same initiative, received full backing, and today they are reaping the benefits. Why should ATBU be left behind?” he asked.
Yuguda urged all stakeholders to embrace the initiative, describing it as a strategic step toward unlocking ATBU’s full potential and enhancing educational development in Bauchi State.
