#ATBU: The Transition to a Conventional University Is Not a Mistake – It’s Progress!
The Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University (ATBU), Bauchi
ATBU From technology to multidisciplinary excellence, is aligning with global standards that blend science, innovation, and leadership to produce world-class graduates.
The Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University (ATBU), Bauchi, is undergoing a strategic transformation from a purely technological institution into a comprehensive, conventional university — a change that, according to Capt. Abdullahi Shitu, is not a mistake but a forward-looking step that strengthens, rather than diminishes, its technological foundation.
Capt. Shitu explained that globally, the most successful universities are those that integrate technology with other disciplines. He cited examples such as the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), which, though rooted in science and engineering, now excels in business, policy, and the arts. Similarly, Harvard, Oxford, and Cambridge have long embraced multidisciplinary learning, producing well-rounded graduates who drive innovation and leadership worldwide.
“The world’s top universities are not limited by labels. They evolve to meet the needs of society. ATBU can preserve its identity as a hub of technology and innovation while expanding into emerging fields that enhance its national and global relevance,” he said.
He stressed that growth should not be mistaken for drift, noting that true progress means evolving while staying rooted in the core values that define an institution.
“Even at MIT — the global leader in engineering and science — degrees are awarded in economics, management, and public policy. Its multidisciplinary approach has produced over 100 Nobel Laureates and countless global innovators,” Capt. Shitu added.
Capt. Shitu emphasized that ATBU’s expansion represents a positive evolution for Bauchi State and Nigeria, aligning with international standards that combine technology, innovation, and social sciences to create balanced, solution-oriented graduates.
“This transition is a blessing for Bauchi and Nigeria as a whole. It reflects the global trend of merging technology with other disciplines to develop thinkers, leaders, and innovators for the future,” he concluded.
