Bogoro Opposes Bill To Convert ATBU Into Conventional University

The former executive secretary of the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund), Prof. Suleiman Elias Bogoro, has renewed his opposition to the proposed amendment of the establishment law of Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University (ATBU), Bauchi, which seeks to convert it from a specialised technology-based university into a conventional institution.

The bill seeks to transform ATBU from technology to a conventional university, a move Prof. Bogoro described as regressive and ill-advised, especially given the university’s rising profile among its peers.

Speaking yesterday during a ceremony to rename the Senate Building after the late second vice-chancellor, Prof. Buba G. Bajoga, Bogoro himself an alumnus of ATBU, said the institution’s identity as a leading science and technology university must be preserved.

He stressed that ATBU remains one of Nigeria’s flagship technology institutions, having produced a significant number of experts in science and engineering fields.

“When some people suggested that ATBU should be revised to a conventional university, I strongly objected. It is unacceptable. ATBU is one of the best in science and technology. The best crop of scientists and engineers in Nigeria are from here. We should be proud of that,” he said.

Former TETFund boss further described the proposal as a ‘direct slap,’ insisting that reverting to a conventional system would amount to embracing backwardness.

“For me, there was no justification in the first place to amend the university’s establishment law,” he added.

For his part, the ATBU vice-chancellor, Prof. Ibrahim Hassan Garba, paid glowing tribute to the late Professor Bajoga, describing him as the architect of ATBU’s formative years.

“With unwavering vision, firmness, and dedication, he transformed a nascent institution into a beacon of excellence in Bauchi and beyond.

“Under his leadership, ATBU flourished through innovative academic programmes, strategic infrastructure development, and a strong commitment to talent development,” Garba said.

He added that Bajoga embodied the pioneering spirit of Abubakar Tafawa Balewa, noting that his legacy continues to shape the university’s growth.

Professor Bajoga’s contributions to ATBU and national development earned him lasting recognition. Beyond academia, he served as Managing Director of the defunct Nigerian Telecommunications Limited (NITEL), where he led reforms that expanded connectivity, bridged the digital divide, and advanced Nigeria’s telecommunications sector.