Vice Chancellor of Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University (ATBU), Bauchi, Prof. Ibrahim Hassan Garba, says he has cleared one-third of the institution’s debt within a few months of assuming office.
He added that he achieved the feat without taking any fresh loan.
Garba stated this when the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU) and the Non-Academic Staff Union of Universities (NASU) paid him separate solidarity visits in his office.
He commended the university community for the sustained support and cooperation his administration has enjoyed since he assumed office last year.
The chairman of SSANU, Comrade Sulisma Dauda Jatau, who led his executives, praised the vice chancellor‘s leadership style, particularly in financial prudence, rule of law, and commitment to staff and students‘ welfare.
He, however, condemned recent negative media campaigns against the university leadership, describing them as unfortunate and damaging to the institution‘s image.
Similarly, NASU chairman, Comrade Yusuf D. Yusuf, expressed concern over what he termed “misplaced media attacks” linked to a federal government policy that was wrongly attributed to the vice chancellor.
He pledged NASU‘s continued support for the administration‘s efforts to strengthen academic excellence in the university
Responding, Garba said he was overwhelmed by the unions‘ solidarity and described it as a reflection of their patriotism and foresight.
He emphasised that his administration remains committed to financial discipline and academic justice.
„When I assumed office, I met a huge debt burden. In the past few months, I have settled nearly one-third of it without taking fresh loans,“ he said.
On welfare, the VC disclosed that five refurbished luxury buses have been deployed to ease student shuttle between Gubi and Yelwa campuses, while a new 32-seater bus is being prepared for staff transportation.
He also revealed that six of the university‘s grounded tractors had been rehabilitated for the farming season, with more to follow, to support both staff and the community farmers at subsidised rates.
