The management of Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University (ATBU), Bauchi, has denied allegations that it is preparing to issue illegal certificates to students of one of its affiliate institutions, the Federal College of Animal Health and Production Technology (FCAHPT), Vom, Plateau State.
The university made this known in a statement titled ‘Re: Nigerian College Undertakes Illegal Academic Programme’, released in response to a report published by an online news platform on Saturday, 21st June 2025, which alleged that ATBU was involved in illegal academic activities.
According to the Director of the Directorate of Public Relations, Zailani Bappah, the report falsely claimed that the university was about to issue illegal postgraduate certificates to students of FCAHPT in violation of the regulations of the National Universities Commission (NUC).
He clarified that while the college is indeed one of seven affiliate institutions of ATBU and had applied to run both undergraduate and postgraduate programmes under the Faculty of Agriculture and Agricultural Technology, only the undergraduate programme was approved by the NUC. The postgraduate request was denied, and the university’s Senate declined to approve it. This decision, he said, was duly communicated to the college.
The report further alleged that the university had finalized arrangements to award certificates to postgraduate students of the college despite the NUC’s rejection. Responding to this, Bappah expressed disappointment, stating that the reporter had contacted the university’s Public Relations Directorate and was clearly informed that ATBU has no intention of awarding any illegal certificates, and never has in its history.
He said it was unfortunate that the reporter ignored the facts provided and proceeded to publish misinformation, thereby misleading the public and tarnishing the university’s image.
ATBU, he said, is a federal institution with over four decades of dedication to academic excellence, discipline, and the maintenance of high standards. He added that the university has no plans to compromise these standards or allow any individual or institution to discredit its reputation.
Bappah also expressed regret that the media outlet, Premium Times, had chosen to publish a report that violates journalistic ethics and directly attacks the integrity of the institution.
He assured stakeholders that ATBU remains committed to offering quality and legally recognized education, and continues to work toward attaining world-class university status for the benefit of Nigerian youths and international students who aspire to study at the institution.
