The management of Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University (ATBU), Bauchi, has categorically denied allegations that it is involved in issuing unapproved certificates to students from one of its affiliated institutions.
In an official statement titled “Re: Nigerian College Undertakes Illegal Academic Programme”, the university expressed strong disapproval over a publication released by an online platform on Saturday, June 21, 2025.
The report alleged that ATBU was set to confer postgraduate certificates on students from the Federal College of Animal Health and Production Technology (FCAHPT), Vom, Plateau State, in defiance of the National Universities Commission (NUC) regulations.
According to Zailani Bappah, Director of the Directorate of Public Relations at ATBU, while FCAHPT is one of seven affiliate institutions working with the university, only undergraduate programmes under the Faculty of Agriculture and Agricultural Technology have received NUC approval.
The request to run postgraduate programmes was explicitly denied by the NUC and subsequently rejected by the ATBU Senate.
The college was officially informed of this decision. Bappah emphasized that the claims made by the media outlet were misleading and baseless.
“We clearly informed the journalist who contacted us that ATBU has no intention of awarding any unauthorized certificates. We have never engaged in such practices and have no plans to do so,” he stated.
He further criticized the publication for misrepresenting the facts despite being given accurate information, describing the move as a deliberate attempt to tarnish the university’s reputation.
“ATBU is a federal institution known for upholding academic integrity and excellence for over 40 years,” Bappah said.
“We will not compromise these standards, and we are committed to ensuring that no affiliated institution drags our name into disrepute.”
He concluded by reassuring stakeholders that ATBU remains fully focused on delivering quality and legally recognized education and reaffirmed the institution’s commitment to becoming a globally recognized university.
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