ATBU Matriculates Over 4,000, Introduces Recognition Policy for Exceptional Performers
By Abubakar Hardawa
The Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University (ATBU), Bauchi, has matriculated over 4,000 new students for the 2024/25 academic session while unveiling a new policy to recognize and reward academic excellence among its students.
The policy, which awards commendation letters to students with a Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) of 4.5 and above, applies to students from 200 to 500 levels and is designed to motivate others to strive for higher academic performance.
The Vice Chancellor, Professor Ibrahim Hassan Garba, announced the initiative during the matriculation and orientation ceremony held at the 1,000-seater Lecture Hall on the Yelwa Campus.
He explained that the recognition, categorized under the Vice Chancellor’s List, is aimed at honoring first-class students and inspiring the newly matriculated students to excel in their academic pursuits.
Professor Garba emphasized that the commendation letters would not only serve as a mark of distinction but also assist students in securing scholarships, industrial placements, and job opportunities after graduation.
He urged other students to put in more effort, promising additional incentives in the future to further encourage academic excellence.
“We are transitioning towards repositioning the university on the path to excellence. This initiative is designed to motivate students to strive for the best in their pursuit of knowledge. It is not just about recognizing their achievements but also honoring them and awakening a passion for excellence in the newly matriculated students so they too can aim for the Hall of Fame,” the Vice Chancellor stated.
Professor Garba also advised the new students to adhere to the university’s rules and regulations, warning them against cultism, examination malpractice, indecent dressing, and drug abuse. He stressed that maintaining discipline is crucial for their continued stay and success in the institution.
Out of the 11,000 applicants, only 4,364 students successfully passed the rigorous selection process to gain admission into the university.
The Vice Chancellor attributed this outcome to the institution’s strict adherence to admission guidelines and the quota system, ensuring that only qualified candidates are admitted.
The breakdown of admitted students by faculty includes:
– Faculty of Agriculture and Agricultural Technology: 207
– Environmental Technology: 774
– Engineering and Engineering Technology: 854
– Management Technology: 370
– Technology Education: 345
– Veterinary Medicine: 39
– Faculty of Computing: 599
– Sustainable Procurement, Environmental and Social Standards (SPESSE) Centre of Excellence: 98
– Medical Sciences: 244
– Faculty of Science: 835
Professor Garba also appealed to the Bauchi State Government to support the university’s host and neighboring communities by providing scholarships to educationally disadvantaged individuals.
He commended the Federal Government for establishing the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), which has significantly enhanced access to quality education for indigent students across the country.
The Vice Chancellor reiterated the university’s commitment to training future leaders and emphasized the importance of maintaining a proper dress code, which he described as a reflection of societal values.
He expressed confidence that the new recognition policy would inspire students to achieve academic excellence and contribute to the university’s growing reputation.
