ATBU Alumni expresses concern amended establishment Bill threatens Northern Nigeria’s STEM Future

By: Monday Danladi, Bauchi
Fresh concerns have emerged following the discovery of a key amendment in the bill seeking to restructure Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University (ATBU), Bauchi, from a science and technology based institution to a conventional institution.

According to the bill as sighted, the amendment removes the word “technology” from the University’s establishment Act — a move, ATBU Alumni say signals a shift towards converting ATBU into a conventional university.

The Alumni therefore warned that if this document indeed reflects the bill passed by the National Assembly, its passage and subsequent enactment could significantly weaken ATBU’s institutional mandate and technical capacity.

Established as a specialized hub for engineering, applied sciences, and technological innovation, ATBU has long served as one of the Northern region’s strongest STEM anchors.

The Alumni also argued that stripping the University of its technological focus could lead to long-term structural setbacks for the region.

The Alumni thereby cautioned that such a policy shift, risks eroding competencies in applied engineering, innovation-driven research, and scientific development — areas critical to the region’s ability to compete in a rapidly evolving, knowledge-driven global economy.

According to the Alumni, the amendment is not a minor legislative adjustment, but a fundamental reorientation of the University’s purpose, with the potential to weaken Northern Nigeria’s overall STEM ecosystem for years to come.

Mohammed S. Wada, National President of ATBU Alumni, therefore called for caution by the agitators of the amendment, urging them to consider Bauchi State first and the negative impact of the move if it eventually scaled through.