Former ATBU Vice-Chancellor Professor Buba Garegy Bajoga Passes Away at 88 in United Kingdom
The Nigerian academic community is mourning the loss of Professor Buba Garegy Bajoga, the former Vice-Chancellor of Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University (ATBU), who passed away at the age of 88 in the United Kingdom. The distinguished engineer and elder statesman leaves behind a legacy of significant contributions to Nigeria's higher education and telecommunications sectors.
Academic Journey and Leadership at ATBU
Professor Bajoga's academic career spanned several decades, beginning with his B.Sc. in Electrical Engineering from Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria, in 1968. He further advanced his studies by obtaining a PhD from the State University of New York in 1972. Rising through the academic ranks at ABU, he attained the position of Professor of Electrical Engineering in 1984.
His most notable contribution came through his leadership at Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University in Bauchi, where he served two terms as Vice-Chancellor between 1984 and 1994. During his tenure, he played a pivotal role in the institution's development and its attainment of autonomous status. Additionally, he chaired the Committee of Vice-Chancellors, leaving an indelible mark on Nigeria's tertiary education landscape.
Engineering and Telecommunications Contributions
Beyond academia, Professor Bajoga made substantial impacts on Nigeria's engineering and telecommunications industries. His professional roles included:
- Director and Managing Director at Nigerian Telecommunications Limited (NITEL)
- Various capacities at the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC)
- Service at the Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN)
Through these positions, his leadership helped shape policy, regulation, and governance across the country's telecommunications sector, demonstrating his commitment to national development.
Tributes from Political Leadership
Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya of Gombe State paid heartfelt tribute to the late professor, describing him as an academic of international repute and a disciplined educator. In a statement issued by his spokesman, Ismaila Uba Misilli, the governor highlighted Professor Bajoga's role as Chairman of the Committee on Tertiary Institutions in 2020, noting that the committee's report provided crucial direction for repositioning higher education in Gombe State.
"Prof Bajoga was a man of exceptional intellect, integrity and uncommon commitment to national service. His counsel, experience and patriotism greatly strengthened our efforts to reform and reposition tertiary education in Gombe State," the statement emphasized.
Governor Yahaya added that the late scholar would be remembered for his humility, discipline, and lifelong dedication to education, engineering, and national development. He extended condolences to the deceased's family, the academic community, and all who benefited from Professor Bajoga's extensive work.
Legacy and National Impact
Professor Buba Garegy Bajoga's passing represents a significant loss to Nigeria's educational and technological advancement. His career exemplifies how academic excellence can translate into tangible contributions to national infrastructure and policy development. As tributes continue to pour in, his legacy as both an educator and industry leader remains firmly established in Nigeria's development narrative.
The academic community now reflects on his substantial contributions while mourning the departure of one of Nigeria's most respected engineering academics and educational administrators.
