Abuja: Former Governor of Bauchi State, Isa Yuguda, alongside other stakeholders, has shown support for the Senate’s initiative to convert Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University (ATBU), Bauchi, into a conventional university. This backing was voiced during a public hearing organized by the Senate Committee on Tertiary Institutions and TETFund.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the hearing, chaired by Sen. Muntari Dandutse (APC-Katsina), was arranged to gather stakeholder feedback on the proposed legislative changes. In his submission, Yuguda emphasized the fairness to the people of Bauchi State, highlighting the importance of expanding the university’s academic offerings to include a broader range of subjects. He pointed out the need for subjects like economics and other sciences and arts to be introduced at ATBU.
However, the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) branch chairman, Haruna Angulu, expressed opposition to the amendment. He argued for increased funding to enhance the specialized technological focus of ATBU, citing its unique status as the only university of technology in the north-east.
The President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, in his keynote address, reiterated the Senate’s duty to scrutinize legislation affecting national institutions. He acknowledged ATBU’s historic role in science, technology, research, and innovation and encouraged constructive engagement from all stakeholders.
Sen. Muntari Dandutse, the Committee Chairman, underlined the purpose of the hearing as ensuring the amendment bill benefits from the collective insights of all relevant parties. He noted that as ATBU grows, the existing legislative provisions have become inadequate, necessitating an update to strengthen governance and broaden academic programs to include arts, social sciences, and humanities.