Planned Conversion Of Balewa Varsity To Conventional University Opposed

A former chairman of the Joint Action Committee of the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU) and the Non-Academic Staff Union (NASU), ATBU branch, Sulisma Jatau, has rejected the Senate’s move to convert the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University (ATBU), Bauchi, to a conventional university.

LEADERSHIP Friday reports that the bill was sponsored by Senator Shehu Buba Umar of Bauchi South Senatorial District, and seeks to transform the 45-year-old university of technology into a conventional institution. The bill passed its second reading on October 21 and is currently at the public hearing stage.
Since its introduction, the proposal has sparked reactions from stakeholders within and outside the university, including management, alumni, and staff unions.

Speaking on the development yesterday Jatau said ATBU mandate must remain centered on technological advancement.

“ATBU has been a university of technology for a very long time, and its core mandate is the advancement of technology. It is currently the only university of technology in the North-East,” he said.

He argued that the conversion is unnecessary and impractical, noting that a conventional university would require additional infrastructure and manpower which are already in short supply.

“There are many newly created universities still struggling with staff and facilities. If ATBU is converted, where will the manpower and infrastructure come from?” he queried.

Jatau described the move as a step in the wrong direction, especially at a time when global development is driven by technology.

“The world is going technological. Bauchi has not complained, staff have not complained, and students have not complained. Why should someone from outside decide to change the university’s core mandate?” he said.

He insisted that ATBU must retain its identity to ensure the state and region are not left behind, “What we need is to move forward with global trends. ATBU should remain a university of technology, now and in the future,” he stated.

Jatau expressed confidence that the Senate would listen to stakeholders and halt the bill before its third reading.

“But if they do otherwise, we will return home and decide our next steps. Our position is clear, ATBU must remain a university of technology,” he added.