Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Teaching Hospital (ATBUTH)

By Aminu Babayo Shehu

The recent move by Senator Shehu Buba Umar, representing Bauchi South, to convert Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University (ATBU), Bauchi, from a University of Technology to a conventional university has stirred deep concern among stakeholders, alumni, and advocates of science and technology education. The bill, which has already passed second reading in the Senate, risks undoing decades of progress that ATBU has made in advancing technology-driven learning and innovation in Nigeria.

In an era when nations are competing through science, technology, and innovation, Nigeria cannot afford to take a step backwards. Around the world, technology is driving development, job creation, and national competitiveness. From Artificial Intelligence to Robotics, Biotechnology, and Cybersecurity, the future of work and industry is being reshaped by technology. It is therefore troubling that, instead of strengthening one of Nigeria’s most respected technology-based universities, the discussion is now about diluting its identity.

ATBU has earned its reputation as one of the country’s leading technological institutions. For decades, it has produced graduates who are not only competent but highly sought after in both the public and private sectors. Alumni of the university are excelling in software engineering, telecommunications, construction, fintech, and data science. Many are leading teams, building products, and contributing to the growth of major organisations across Nigeria and abroad.

In recent years, the university has made even more progressive strides. The Faculty of Computing, for instance, has expanded its curriculum beyond traditional Computer Science to include new, globally relevant courses such as Artificial Intelligence, Data Science, Software Engineering, and Cyber Security. These additions are clear evidence that ATBU is aligning itself with international trends and preparing students for the realities of the modern digital economy.

Instead of seeking to convert ATBU into a conventional university, the Federal Government and relevant stakeholders should focus on strengthening its technological capacity and research base. There are better, more visionary ways to make the institution self-sustaining and impactful. Establishing Artificial Intelligence research laboratories, cybersecurity and digital forensics hubs, robotics and automation labs, and technology incubation centres would attract both local and international partnerships. Such facilities could become national assets for innovation, startups, and industrial research.

Globally, top universities have achieved great success by maintaining and deepening their technological focus. The Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) in the United States, Tsinghua University in China, and the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST) are shining examples of institutions that have transformed their nations through technology-driven education and research. Nigeria should be learning from these models, not abandoning its own.

Turning ATBU into a conventional university would water down its focus and weaken the very foundation on which it was established. What Nigeria needs today are more institutions that specialise in applied sciences, engineering, and emerging technologies; not fewer.

This proposal, though perhaps well-intentioned, is ill-timed and misdirected. The challenges of the 21st century demand more innovation, not less. The future will belong to nations that invest in science, technology, and knowledge creation.

ATBU should remain what it was meant to be: a University of Technology dedicated to building Nigeria’s next generation of innovators, engineers, and researchers. To do otherwise would not just be a loss for Bauchi or Northern Nigeria, but for the entire country.

Aminu Babayo Shehu is a Software Engineer and alumnus of Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, Bauchi. He writes from Kano via absheikhone@gmail.com.

By Uzair Adam

The death toll from Sunday’s stampede during an almsgiving exercise at Shafa Holdings Company Plc in Bauchi has risen to seven, the police confirmed on Monday.

The police spokesperson in the state, SP Ahmed Wakil, said three additional women lost their lives following the incident that occurred at about 10:20 a.m. on Jos Road, where the company was conducting its annual Zakat exercise to support the less privileged.

A medical doctor at the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Teaching Hospital (ATBUTH) confirmed that two of the women died while receiving treatment, while another passed away at home after being taken away by her family.

Wakil assured that further details would be made available as the investigation continues.

A witness, Laraba Saleh, said several other individuals, including women and children, sustained injuries during the stampede.

By Usman Abdullahi Koli 

The Nigerian healthcare system has long faced challenges that make accessing quality care difficult, especially for the average citizen. Many patients have endured unnecessary struggles during critical moments, from long queues at registration units to delays in retrieving medical records. Tragically, these inefficiencies have, in some cases, led to preventable losses—not just because of late arrivals at hospitals but also due to prolonged registration and file retrieval processes.

Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Teaching Hospital (ATBUTH) Bauchi has boldly changed this narrative. Staying true to its vision and mission, the hospital has introduced an innovative e-health system to alleviate these issues. This transformation goes beyond addressing immediate challenges—it sets ATBUTH on a path to becoming a leader in modern, patient-focused healthcare in Nigeria.

ATBUTH has been a symbol of hope for years, offering quality healthcare to countless patients while continuously striving to improve its services. Recognizing the growing needs of modern healthcare, the hospital has embraced advanced digital solutions to revolutionize how it delivers care.

Adopting an Electronic Medical Records (EMR) system, seamlessly integrated with the eCMDS platform, reflects ATBUTH’s commitment to progress and patient well-being. This transformative step simplifies operations, improves administrative processes, and creates a more compassionate, patient-centred experience for everyone who walks through its doors.

The introduction of e-health at ATBUTH also aligns with a Federal Government policy to digitize public services. This initiative aligns with global trends, ensuring healthcare services are faster, safer, and easier to access. Digitizing patient records, registration, billing, and laboratory results drastically reduces waiting times and makes every interaction smoother.

The EMR system protects patient data from being lost or tampered with, while automated processes close gaps that could lead to fraud or revenue loss. Furthermore, the centralized database enables researchers to access accurate, real-time information, fostering medical advancements. This leap into digitization firmly establishes ATBUTH as a forward-thinking institution ready to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with leading hospitals in Nigeria and beyond.

Although the implementation of the e-health system has been highly successful, challenges still exist. One of the most pressing issues is network reliability, which can sometimes be unpredictable. However, the hospital’s management is actively working to resolve these issues permanently to ensure uninterrupted services. Unfortunately, specific individuals have also attempted to undermine this initiative by spreading misinformation and discouraging public trust. Such actions disrupt progress and risk undoing the remarkable strides ATBUTH has made in improving healthcare delivery.

Everyone must understand that progress is a journey that moves forward, not backwards. For ATBUTH to maintain its momentum as a leader in healthcare innovation, it needs the collective support of patients, staff, and the public. Adopting the e-health system is not just about modernizing healthcare—it’s about making services more accessible, efficient, and humane.

Despite being a relatively young institution, ATBUTH has achieved remarkable feats rivalling even the country’s most established hospitals. This e-health initiative is a testament to the hospital’s determination to excel and better serve its community.

ATBUTH’s e-health system is more than just a technological upgrade—it is a lifeline for thousands of patients who rely on the hospital for their care. As this digital transformation continues to evolve, the public must embrace and support it wholeheartedly. Together, we can ensure ATBUTH remains a trusted name in healthcare and a symbol of progress in Nigeria’s health sector.

Usman Abdullahi Koli writes from Bauchi.