Senator Haliru Jika has thrown his weight behind a legislative move to transform the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University (ATBU) in Bauchi from a specialised technology institution into a full-fledged conventional university. The senator articulated his strong support during a public hearing held by the Senate Committee on Tertiary Institutions and TETFund on 25 December 2025.
Why Conversion is Critical for Modern Education
Addressing the hearing, Senator Jika argued that the rapid pace of global technological advancement has made rigid academic specialisation obsolete. He emphasised that true innovation now flourishes through interdisciplinary collaboration. "Technology today is no longer isolated," he stated, pointing out that modern professionals need a blend of technical know-how with management, legal, policy, and social sciences knowledge.
He believes converting ATBU will allow for the establishment of new faculties, departments, and interdisciplinary research centres. This expansion, he contends, is vital for enhancing the university's relevance within Nigeria and its competitiveness on the global stage. Furthermore, it would help meet the surging demand for university admissions by offering high-demand programmes currently unavailable at the institution.
Economic and Regional Revitalisation Prospects
Senator Jika highlighted significant economic benefits tied to the proposed transition. By broadening academic offerings, ATBU could increase student enrolment and boost its internally generated revenue, thereby lessening long-term financial dependence on the Federal Government.
The move is also seen as a strategic boon for Bauchi State and the wider North-East region, which has historically faced infrastructural deficits. A conventional university would foster stronger academic links with local polytechnics and colleges of education, stimulate infrastructure development, create jobs, and contribute to regional economic recovery.
Leveraging Bauchi's natural resource base, the transformed ATBU could drive specialised programmes to produce skilled manpower for critical national economic sectors. The senator framed the conversion as a matter of educational justice, asserting that access to diverse, competitive programmes should not be limited by geography. "Bringing these opportunities closer to the people of Bauchi State and its catchment areas is a matter of equity and fairness," he affirmed.
Stakeholder Support and Opposition
Senator Jika's position aligns with submissions from other stakeholders, including former Bauchi State Governor, Isa Yuguda, who endorsed the bill for programme expansion and regional inclusion.
However, the proposal faces resistance from the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), ATBU branch. The union contends that increased funding should instead be directed towards strengthening the university's core technological mandate rather than diversifying its focus.
In his closing remarks, Senator Jika urged fellow lawmakers to consider the bill as a national interest issue, describing it as a long-term investment in Nigeria's workforce. "This historic decision is not only about Bauchi State," he said. "It is about building a centre of comprehensive excellence capable of addressing Nigeria’s technological, social, economic, and policy challenges through multidisciplinary solutions." The Senate Committee assured that all stakeholder submissions would be thoroughly reviewed.
Beyond this legislative push, Senator Jika is promoting complementary initiatives like the JENIUS Accelerator (Senator Jika E-nnovation Exchange for Impact Investment to Uplift Sustainable Societies) and a proposed $100,000 JENIUS Fund. These youth-focused platforms aim to provide practical skills, mentorship, and seed capital for high-potential enterprises in Bauchi and the North-East, thereby creating a stronger link between academic expansion, skills development, and job creation.
