The Senate, on Tuesday, passed for second reading a bill seeking to amend the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University (ATBU) Act to remove the word “Technology” from its name and status. The amendment aims to transform Bauchi-based institution from a specialised university of technology into a conventional university.

The bill’s objective, as outlined in its provisions, is to empower the institution to offer a broader range of academic programmes, including disciplines in the sciences, humanities, law, and medicine.

Leading debate on the bill, Shehu Umar (Bauchi South) explained that ATBU was established in 1980 as one of the pioneer universities of technology to advance technical and engineering education in Nigeria.

However, he noted that over the years, the university has expanded its scope, running degree programmes in agriculture, education, management sciences, and environmental design, among others.

Despite this evolution, he said, the institution’s enabling law still legally confines it to the status of a “University of Technology,” which is inconsistent with its current academic structure and operations.

According to Senator Umar, “The proposed amendment seeks to make ATBU a conventional university, enabling it to offer courses and conduct research across all disciplines, ensure parity with other federal universities, strengthen accreditation and international collaboration, and expand access to higher education in the North-East and the country at large.”

He added that similar transitions had taken place in other universities, such as Modibbo Adama University of Technology, Yola, and the Federal University of Agriculture, Makurdi, now known as Joseph Sarwuan Tarka University, both of which were successfully converted into conventional universities.

“This is not a radical change but a rational step,” Umar said.

“It aligns the law with the reality of an institution that has already evolved beyond its initial technological focus.

“It also honours the legacy of Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa, Nigeria’s first Prime Minister, whose vision for inclusive education and national development remains relevant today.”

After deliberations, the Senate passed the bill for second reading and referred it to the Committee on Tertiary Institutions and TETFUND for further legislative work, including a public hearing.

The committee is expected to report back within four weeks.