The Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University (ATBU) in Bauchi, Gubi Campus has received a safety boost with the donation of a modern fire station, a new firefighting truck, a functional borehole, and office facilities from the North East Development Commission (NEDC).

At the inauguration of the new fire station, which will operate 24 hours, Minister of State for Regional Development, Uba Maigari Ahmadu, handed over the facility on behalf of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, describing it as a “privilege” to deliver the project.

He commended the president for supporting all development commissions under the ministry, which, he said, made the completion of the project possible.

The minister urged the university community to “take ownership of this and other NEDC projects” to ensure proper maintenance and appreciation of the government’s efforts.

 “When communities embrace these projects, it reassures the government that resources are well-utilised,” he added.

The Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on NEDC also commended the commission for implementing initiatives that directly improve the living standards of people across the North East.

He emphasised that the project will support ATBU in responding to fire emergencies, even as he hoped such disasters would be avoided.

NEDC Managing Director/CEO, Mohammed Alkali Goni, noted that the project was designed to safeguard life and property within the university community encouraging the management to maintain the facilities.

Receiving the project on behalf of ATBU, Vice Chancellor Professor Ibrahim Hassan Garba expressed deep gratitude to Allah and to the NEDC for the initiative.

Represented by the university librarian, Dr. Dauda Adamu Bakum, the VC described the station as “a vital shield for our university, neighbouring communities, and the entire Bauchi State.”

Prof Garba disclosed that the station is more than a building. “It is a beacon of security equipped with modern firefighting tools and a rapid-response vehicle that will protect laboratories, hostels, lecture halls, and the over 23,000 people who call ATBU home.”