Outrage as Bogoro Slams Move to Downgrade ATBU's Specialized Status
Former Executive Secretary of the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund), Prof. Suleiman Bogoro, has strongly opposed plans to convert Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University (ATBU) in Bauchi into a conventional university, describing the move as a significant step backwards. Bogoro voiced his concerns on Thursday during a ceremony to rename the university's Senate Building after its second Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Buba G. Bajoga, who passed away in a London hospital on February 5.
Bogoro's Firm Rejection of the Proposal
Bogoro argued that ATBU remains one of Nigeria's flagship institutions for science and technology and should retain its specialized focus to continue producing top-tier professionals. "When some people suggest that ATBU should be reverted or revised into a conventional university, I strongly reject it," he stated emphatically. "ATBU is one of the best institutions for science and technology. Many of Nigeria's finest scientists and engineers were trained here. To convert it to a conventional university is to embrace backwardness."
He further emphasized that such a suggestion is a direct affront to the university's long-standing reputation as a leading technology university in the region. "For me, such a suggestion is a direct affront. ATBU has long been recognised as one of the leading technology universities in this part of the country," Bogoro added, highlighting the institution's critical role in advancing Nigeria's technological and scientific landscape.
Honoring the Legacy of Prof. Buba G. Bajoga
The event also served to honor the late Prof. Buba G. Bajoga for his foundational contributions to the growth and development of ATBU. Bajoga, a former Managing Director of Nigerian Telecommunications Limited (NITEL), was credited with laying a solid academic and administrative foundation for the university. His efforts extended beyond the campus, contributing significantly to Nigeria's telecommunications development by expanding connectivity and bridging the digital divide.
In his remarks, the current Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Ibrahim Garba, described Bajoga as the architect of the university's formative years. "With vision, firmness, and dedication, he transformed a young institution into a centre of excellence in Bauchi and beyond, producing graduates who have excelled in their respective fields," Garba said.
He elaborated on Bajoga's leadership, noting that under his guidance, the university experienced substantial growth in curriculum development, infrastructure, and talent development. "He embodied the pioneering spirit of Abubakar Tafawa Balewa—resolute, inclusive, and forward-looking—laying foundations that we continue to build upon with pride," Garba added, underscoring the lasting impact of Bajoga's work on ATBU's legacy and future prospects.
