ATBU Bauchi bans students’ protest 

Paul Orude Bauchi 

The management of Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University ,ATBU,  Bauchi.has  introduced an oath form compelling students not to partake in any form of protest.

Metoric Post learned that the University management’s decision was influenced by the recent student protest triggered by the killing of Joseph Agabaidu, a fifth-year Geology student. 

Joseph, who hailses  from Ankpa Local Government Area in Kogi State but residing in Benue State, was the eldest among his four siblings studying at  the ATBU, Bauchi. 

He was stabbed to death in December 2, 2023, while attempting to recover his girlfriend’s bag from assailants who had previously stolen it. 

The tragic incident occurred near Yelwan Tudu market in the Yelwa area, a suburb of Bauchi metropolis, around 7:00 pm on a Saturday. 

Metoric Post recalls that the management of the institution, had also in a bid to avoid any escalation of the incident or other unforeseen circumstances, immediately shut down the school on December 3, 2023, for an initial one week but later extended the resumption date until January 7, 2024.

A specimen copy of the form obtained by our reporter yesterday showed that it emanated from the Academic Division in the office of the Registrar of the school with reference number: ATBU/REG/ADM/24 and dated December 21, 2023.

The form  titled “OATH OF GOOD CHARACTER AND COMPLIANCE” as stated in one of the paragraphs reads that “I further undertake not to participate in any form of demonstration or protest on any of the University Campuses”

It was gathered that the students are individually  expected to sign the form and submit to the management upon resumption.

Individual students are also to promise “not to be involved in the use of illicit drugs as apparently stated in the Students’ Handbook.

“That, I shall also make available to the University, a medical report of toxicology test on my resumption on 8th January, 2024.”

“That I promise to be of good character and ready to comply with the laid down rules and regulations guiding the conduct of students of the university.” it added

The form also indicated that the students are to append their signature to other sections of the form which stated that: “If, in any way, I am found going against any of the above-mentioned paragraphs, I will be responsible for the appropriate sanction to be meted on me by the University Management.”

The students are equally required to write their: name, registration number, level, department, faculty, GSM number, signature and date, name, GSM number, signature and date of their parents or guardian, while the Head of Department is also to write his name and signature with date.

However, when contacted, the ATBU’s Director of Information, Zailani Bappa said  the school  is only against unauthorised protests. 

“The management is only against unauthorised protest because no law allows students to participate in any protest without the permission of the police. The form I have hear says unauthorised” he said