NEDC Boosts Campus Safety, Water Supply as FG Commissions Projects at ATBU Bauchi

From Paul Orude Bauchi

The Federal Government, through the North East Development Commission (NEDC), has strengthened safety infrastructure and water supply at Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University (ATBU), Gubi Campus, Bauchi State, with the commissioning and handover of a Fire Service Station, a fire-fighting truck, and a borehole.

The intervention is part of ongoing efforts to improve learning conditions and protect lives and property in tertiary institutions across the North East region.

Commissioning the projects, the Minister of State for Regional Development, Alhaji Uba Maigari Ahmadu, said the facilities reflect the Federal Government’s commitment to creating secure and functional educational environments.

Representing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, he urged the university community to take full ownership of the projects and ensure their proper use and maintenance.

According to the Minister, sustainable management of the facilities would guarantee their long-term impact and justify government investment in regional development through agencies such as the NEDC.

He formally commissioned the Fire Service Station for the service of humanity, noting that improved emergency preparedness is essential for academic institutions and surrounding communities.

Earlier, the Chairman, House of Representatives Committee on the North East Development Commission, praised the Commission for implementing people-oriented projects with direct benefits to institutions and communities.

He noted that although fire outbreaks are not desired, the availability of a functional fire service station would greatly reduce risks and losses.

He explained that the project comprises a fully equipped fire service station, a fire-fighting truck, and a borehole, all handed over through the Ministry of Regional Development.

Also speaking, the Managing Director of the NEDC, Alhaji Muhammad Goni Alkali, said the project was informed by the need to safeguard lives and property within the university community. 

He reaffirmed the Federal Government’s resolve to rebuild the North East by investing in infrastructure that supports safety, resilience, and sustainable development.

Goni called on the university authorities to maintain the facilities in order to achieve the intended objectives of the intervention.

In his response, the Vice-Chancellor of ATBU, represented by the University Librarian, Dr. Dauda Adamu, described the fire service station as a critical asset that will serve both the university and its host communities. 

He appreciated the Federal Government and the NEDC for the intervention and assured that the university would incorporate the facility into its emergency response and safety programmes through regular training and drills.

Dr. Adamu added that the borehole would significantly enhance water availability on campus, improving the welfare of students and staff. He also commended Bauchi State Governor, Senator Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed, for his continuous support for development initiatives in the state.

As part of the visit, the Minister and his delegation also inspected the ongoing construction of Government Science Secondary School, Bauchi, a project being executed by the NEDC. 

The Minister urged the contractor to fast-track the work while adhering strictly to approved specifications and quality standards.

In response, the representative of the construction firm assured that the project would be completed and delivered within the next three