The management of the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University (ATBU), Bauchi, alongside the institution’s alumni association and staff unions, has dissociated itself from an ongoing move at the Senate to convert the university from a technology-based institution to a conventional university.
The university’s Registrar, Kabiru Garba, told journalists recently in Bauchi that the management was neither consulted nor informed at any stage of the legislative process.
Garba said the development came to the university as a shock, adding that they only learnt of the bill through media reports.
“We just woke up one morning to hear in the media that a motion has been presented at the Senate chambers to change the establishment laws of the University. It came to us as a shock and surprise,” he said.
The registrar explained that key administrative organs of the institution, including the University Senate and the Governing Council, were not carried along in the move.
“You may wish to know that, as of this moment, there has not been any official communication to the University Management or the community. I, as the Registrar and custodian of the laws and regulations of the University, have not been contacted for any input,” Garba noted.
He added that the Vice-Chancellor, Chairman of Council and other principal officers were equally sidelined.
Garba, however, stated that the management had submitted its position paper to relevant authorities and would attend the public hearing to make its stance clear.
Similarly, the National President of the ATBU Alumni Association, Comrade Mohammed Wada, faulted the move, insisting that the association was not in support.
WikkiTimes gathered that Wada argued that turning ATBU into a conventional university would undermine the progress the institution had recorded since its establishment as a technology-focused institution.
“If you check very well, we have not fewer than eleven conventional universities surrounding ATBU. What then do we need to convert it to another conventional university for?” he queried.
He advised the sponsoring senator to channel his efforts into supporting developmental projects in the school.
“He can establish an endowment, build more lecture theatres, buy vehicles and support other development programmes. His name will be written in gold,” Wada said.
Senator representing Bauchi South, Senator Shehu Buba, is sponsoring the bill seeking to alter ATBU’s status. The bill has passed first reading and is currently at the committee stage, awaiting a public hearing.
