Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University: ASUU Clash Over Proposal to Convert ATBU into Conventional University
A fresh debate has erupted in Nigeria’s higher education space following a proposal to convert the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University (ATBU), Bauchi, from a specialised university of technology into a conventional university. Former Bauchi State Governor and ex-Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Isa Yuguda, has publicly supported the idea, while the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has strongly rejected it, warning of far-reaching academic and institutional consequences.
ATBU, established in 1980, is one of Nigeria’s federal universities of technology, with a mandate to focus on science, engineering, technology, and applied research critical to national development. Over the decades, the institution has built a reputation for producing skilled graduates in engineering, environmental sciences, and technology-driven disciplines. However, calls for its conversion have resurfaced, reigniting an old argument about the direction and identity of the university.
Yuguda, who hails from Bauchi State, has argued that converting ATBU into a conventional university would broaden access to higher education in the region. According to him, the demand for courses in arts, social sciences, law, and education has outgrown the capacity of existing conventional universities in the North-East. He believes that expanding ATBU’s academic scope would enable more young people to gain university admission without having to travel far from home.
Supporters of Yuguda’s position also contend that many universities of technology in Nigeria already run programmes outside strict technological fields, blurring the line between specialised and conventional institutions. They argue that formalising ATBU’s status as a conventional university would only reflect existing realities while allowing for greater flexibility in curriculum design and student intake.
ASUU, however, has taken a firm stand against the proposal. The union insists that converting ATBU would undermine the original vision behind establishing universities of technology in Nigeria. In a statement attributed to its leadership, ASUU warned that such a move would further weaken the country’s technological and scientific base at a time when Nigeria urgently needs innovation-driven solutions to economic and industrial challenges.
According to ASUU, Nigeria already has more conventional universities than it can adequately fund, while specialised institutions like ATBU play a crucial role in addressing skills gaps in engineering, manufacturing, and applied sciences. The union argues that instead of converting ATBU, the government should strengthen it through better funding, modern laboratories, and expanded research grants.
ASUU also raised concerns about the implications for staff and students. A conversion, the union says, could lead to curriculum disruptions, staff redeployment challenges, and uncertainty over accreditation of programmes. Lecturers trained and employed to teach technology-focused courses may find themselves pressured to adapt to non-technical disciplines, while students who deliberately chose a university of technology could see the value of their degrees diluted.
Beyond academic concerns, ASUU framed the issue as part of a broader pattern of policy inconsistency in Nigeria’s education sector. The union noted that frequent changes in university status, naming, or mandate often occur without adequate consultation with stakeholders, including academic staff, students, and regulatory bodies. Such decisions, ASUU warned, risk politicising education and prioritising short-term political gains over long-term national interest.
Education analysts observing the debate say the disagreement highlights a deeper tension between access and specialisation in Nigeria’s university system. On one hand, the pressure to accommodate millions of qualified candidates seeking admission has fueled demands for more conventional universities and expanded course offerings. On the other hand, experts argue that diluting specialised institutions could worsen Nigeria’s chronic shortage of technically skilled manpower.
Students and alumni of ATBU have expressed mixed reactions. Some welcome the idea of expanded programmes, believing it could increase the university’s popularity and opportunities for interdisciplinary learning. Others fear that the institution may lose its hard-earned identity as a centre of technological excellence if the conversion goes ahead.
As of now, there has been no official policy announcement from the Federal Government regarding the proposed conversion. Education authorities are expected to weigh inputs from all stakeholders, including ASUU, the university management, host community leaders, and policymakers.
The clash between Yuguda and ASUU over ATBU’s future underscores the complexity of reforming Nigeria’s higher education system. Whether the university remains a specialised institution or becomes a conventional one, observers agree that any decision must be guided by careful planning, broad consultation, and a clear commitment to strengthening, rather than weakening, the quality of university education in Nigeria.
