By: Monday Danladi, Bauchi
Though the dust raised by the proposed bill to change the establishment law of Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University (ATBU), Bauchi, from a technology based University to a conventional institution has settled, one of the loudest voices in opposition to the proposal, former Executive Secretary of Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFUND), Prof. Suleiman Bogoro has reiterated his stance on the issue.
Suleiman Elias Bogoro, himself a product of the institution, described the proposal as a way of embracing backwardness considering the soaring position of ATBU among its peers.
The Professor of Agriculture, was speaking on Thursday, when the Management of the University renamed the Senate Building after the second Vice Chancellor, Prof. Buba G. Bajoga, who died in a London Hospital on 5th February, 2026.
Suleiman Elias Bogoro stressed that the University remains one of the flagship of science and technology institutions in Nigeria as can be testified in a number of experts in various fields of technology and science it has produced and nurtured.
According to him, “When some people for whatever reasons suggested that ATBU should be reverted or that ATBU should be revised, let’s put it that way, revised to a conventional university, I shouted over the rooftop.”
He added that, “I said it is unacceptable. ATBU is one of the best in Science and Technology. The best crop of Scientists and Engineers in Nigeria are from here. You should be proud of that.”
“The suggestion that we go back as a conventional University is to say we want to embrace backwardness,” he added.
The Don enthused further that, “So, for those that suggested that we should become a conventional University, for me, it was a direct slap to our faces. ATBU has been rated as the best technology University in this part of the country for a long time.”
He therefore reinforced his stance that the was no cogent reason in the first place to seek amendment to the University’s establishment law.
In his remarks, the Vice-Chancellor of the University, Prof. Ibrahim Garba, described late Prof Buba Bajoga as the architect of ATBU’s formative years.
According to him, “With unwavering vision, firmness and unyielding dedication, he transformed a nascent University into a beacon of excellence in Bauchi and beyond, producing scholars that shone in their chosen careers.”
The VC stressed that, “Under his stewardship, ATBU flourished through innovative curriculum development, strategic infrastructure growth, and a commitment to nurturing talents that would proudly shape Nigeria’s future.”
According to him, “He embodied the pioneering spirit of Abubakar Tafawa Balewa himself, resolute, inclusive, and forward-thinking, laying foundations that we, his successors, continue to build upon with pride and passion.”
Buba Bajoga’s brilliant foundation laying for the University has earned him immortality. He was a Managing Director of the defunct Nigerian Telecommunications Limited (NITEL).
Buba Bajoga spearheaded reforms that connected millions, bridging the digital divide and propelling Nigeria towards a modern communications era.
Commissioning of the Prof Buba Bojoga Senate Building
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