By Suzan Edeh, Bauchi
Fresh concerns have emerged over the future of science and technology education in Northern Nigeria following the discovery of a controversial amendment in the bill seeking to restructure Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University (ATBU), Bauchi.
In a statement signed its National President, Mohammed Wada, the association warned that if the document indeed reflects what the National Assembly passed, its enactment would significantly dilute ATBU’s founding mandate as a specialised centre for engineering, applied sciences, and technological innovation.
The amendment reportedly deletes the word “technology” from the university’s establishment Act, a change that the ATBU Alumni Association described as a dangerous step toward converting the institution into a conventional university.
Established over four decades ago to serve as a technology backbone for Northern Nigeria, ATBU has been a major contributor to the region’s pool of engineers, technologists, researchers, and innovators.