Federal
Federal University
✓ NUC Accredited 🏠 Hostel
Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University (ATBU)
📍 Bauchi, Bauchi · 📅 Est. 1980 · 👥 20,000+ Students
160Cut-off
34+Courses
8Faculties
YesPost-UTME
46Yrs Old
📋 Overview
Full Name
Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University
Abbreviation
ATBU
Ownership
Federal
Category
Federal University
Year Founded
1980
Location
Bauchi, Bauchi
Address
Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, P.M.B. 0248, Along Kano Road, Bauchi, Bauchi State, Nigeria
Website
Phone
Students
20,000+
Accreditation
National Universities Commission (NUC)
Hostel
✅ Available
Post-UTME
✅ Yes
Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University (ATBU) is a federal university of technology located in Bauchi, the capital of Bauchi State, in north-eastern Nigeria. It is named after Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa, Nigeria's first and only Prime Minister, who was himself a native of Bauchi State. The university was established in 1980 as the Federal University of Technology, Bauchi, and admitted its first students in October 1981 for pre-degree and remedial programmes. Degree courses commenced in October 1982. In 1984, the university was temporarily merged with Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria, and renamed Abubakar Tafawa Balewa College, ABU — Bauchi Campus. It regained full autonomous status in 1988 and was renamed Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University. ATBU operates two campuses: the Main (Gubi) Campus and the Yelwa Campus. Its motto is "Doctrina Mater Artium" — Education is the mother of all practical arts. ATBU is internationally recognised, NUC-accredited, and affiliated with the Association of African Universities. It offers programmes across seven faculties with 43 subject areas and over 399 areas of specialisation at diploma, undergraduate, postgraduate and PhD levels.
🏛️ Faculties and Colleges
Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University is organised into 8 faculties/colleges.
- Faculty of Engineering (FOE) — Yelwa Campus
- Faculty of Environmental Technology (FET) — Yelwa Campus
- Faculty of Science (FOS) — Yelwa Campus
- Faculty of Agriculture and Agricultural Technology (FAAT) — Main/Gubi Campus
- Faculty of Education (FOE/ED) — Main/Gubi Campus
- Faculty of Medical Sciences (FMS) — Main/Gubi Campus
- Faculty of Management Sciences (FMS-Mgt) — Main/Gubi Campus
- School of Postgraduate Studies
📖 Courses Offered in ATBU
Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University offers 34 accredited courses. All programmes are approved by the National Universities Commission (NUC). Minimum JAMB score: 160.
B.Engr (Civil/Mechanical/Electrical/Chemical/Computer/Automobile/Mining Engineering)
B.Sc (Architecture)
B.Sc (Quantity Surveying)
B.Sc (Estate Management)
B.Sc (Urban and Regional Planning)
B.Sc (Building Technology)
B.Sc (Computer Science)
B.Sc (Mathematics)
B.Sc (Chemistry)
B.Sc (Physics)
B.Sc (Geology)
B.Sc (Biochemistry)
B.Sc (Microbiology)
B.Sc (Industrial Chemistry)
B.Sc (Biology)
B.Sc (Ecology and Environmental Studies)
B.Agric (Agronomy)
B.Sc (Animal Science)
B.Sc (Fisheries)
B.Sc (Forestry)
B.Sc (Agricultural Economics)
B.Sc (Agricultural Extension)
B.Sc (Food Science and Technology)
MBBS (Medicine and Surgery)
B.Sc (Nursing)
B.Sc (Anatomy)
B.Sc (Physiology)
B.Sc (Accounting)
B.Sc (Business Administration)
B.Sc (Economics)
B.Sc (Finance)
B.Ed (Technology Education)
B.Ed (Agricultural Technology Education)
B.Ed (Business Technology Education)
💰 ATBU School Fees
ATBU school fees are federal government-subsidised. The acceptance fee for fresh students is NGN 40,000 for Medicine and Surgery (MBBS) and NGN 33,000 for all other programmes (2024/2025 session). Annual tuition fees for most programmes range from approximately NGN 20,000 to NGN 60,000 for indigenes. Non-indigenes pay slightly higher rates. Medicine, Engineering and Architecture attract higher fees due to laboratory and professional costs. Additional charges cover examination, library, sports and accommodation fees. Hostel accommodation is available on both campuses. Visit atbu.edu.ng for the current approved fees schedule.
⚠️ Fees are subject to annual review. Always verify on the official portal or bursary department before payment.
As a federal institution, fees are subsidised by the Federal Government.
📝 Admission Requirements & Cut-off Mark
160
JAMB Cut-off Mark (2026)
Minimum JAMB UTME score to apply. Departments may set higher scores.
Minimum JAMB UTME score to apply. Departments may set higher scores.
✅ Post-UTME: Required
1
ATBU admission requirements:
2
JAMB UTME minimum score of 160 (general); Medicine and Surgery requires 250+, Law requires 240+, Engineering requires 180–220, Science programmes require 190+. ATBU must be chosen as first-choice institution.
3
Five O'Level credit passes at not more than two sittings, including English Language, Mathematics and programme-relevant subjects.
4
Engineering requires credits in Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics and one other science subject.
5
Medicine requires credits in Biology, Chemistry, Physics and Mathematics.
6
ATBU conducts Post-UTME screening (CBT) for all candidates above the cut-off.
7
Direct Entry via A'Level (two passes in relevant subjects) or ND/HND Upper Credit is available. Acceptance fee must be paid within the stipulated deadline after admission offer.
🌟 Notable Alumni
Dr Isa Ali Ibrahim Pantami (former Federal Minister of Communications and Digital Economy
Professor of Computer Science)
Inuwa Kashifu Abdullahi (Director-General, National Information Technology Development Agency, NITDA)
Alh. Dr Riwanu Sulaiman Adamu CFR (Emir of Bauchi)
Prof. Aliyu Jauro (Director-General, National Space Research and Development Agency, NASDRA)
Delmwa Deshi-Kura (film production executive)
several serving professors at Nigerian federal universities
engineers at NNPC, MTN and other major corporations
💡 Notable Facts about ATBU
ATBU is the only federal university of technology in north-eastern Nigeria.
The university is named after Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa, Nigeria's first and only Prime Minister, who came from Bauchi State.
ATBU operates two distinct campuses: the Main (Gubi) Campus hosting agriculture and education faculties, and the Yelwa Campus hosting engineering, science and management faculties.
The university has a Teaching Hospital — Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Teaching Hospital (ATBUTH) — established in 2010, which serves as a major specialist and referral hospital in Bauchi.
ATBU has produced senior government officials, engineers, scientists, and educators who serve at the highest levels in Nigeria.
The university library holds over 71,000 books, journals and dissertations..
Visit ATBU Portal
Apply for admission, check results, register courses and access student services.
Go to Official Portal ↗❓ Frequently Asked Questions — ATBU
What courses are offered in Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University?
Courses offered in Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University (ATBU) include: B.Engr (Civil/Mechanical/Electrical/Chemical/Computer/Automobile/Mining Engineering), B.Sc (Architecture), B.Sc (Quantity Surveying), B.Sc (Estate Management), B.Sc (Urban and Regional Planning), B.Sc (Building Technology), B.Sc (Computer Science), B.Sc (Mathematics), B.Sc (Chemistry), B.Sc (Physics), B.Sc (Geology), B.Sc (Biochemistry), B.Sc (Microbiology), B.Sc (Industrial Chemistry), B.Sc (Biology), B.Sc (Ecology and Environmental Studies), B.Agric (Agronomy), B.Sc (Animal Science), B.Sc (Fisheries), B.Sc (Forestry), B.Sc (Agricultural Economics), B.Sc (Agricultural Extension), B.Sc (Food Science and Technology), MBBS (Medicine and Surgery), B.Sc (Nursing), B.Sc (Anatomy), B.Sc (Physiology), B.Sc (Accounting), B.Sc (Business Administration), B.Sc (Economics), B.Sc (Finance), B.Ed (Technology Education), B.Ed (Agricultural Technology Education), B.Ed (Business Technology Education). All programmes are accredited by the National Universities Commission (NUC).
How much are ATBU school fees?
ATBU school fees are federal government-subsidised. The acceptance fee for fresh students is NGN 40,000 for Medicine and Surgery (MBBS) and NGN 33,000 for all other programmes (2024/2025 session). Annual tuition fees for most programmes range from approximately NGN 20,000 to NGN 60,000 for indigenes. Non-indigenes pay slightly higher rates. Medicine, Engineering and Architecture attract higher fees due to laboratory and professional costs. Additional charges cover examination, library, sports and accommodation fees. Hostel accommodation is available on both campuses. Visit atbu.edu.ng for the current approved fees schedule.
What is the JAMB cut-off mark for Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University?
The JAMB cut-off mark for Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University is 160 as of 2026. Individual departments may set higher cut-off marks depending on competition.
Does ATBU conduct Post-UTME?
Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University conducts a Post-UTME screening exercise for all qualified candidates who meet the JAMB cut-off mark.
What is the address of Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University?
The address of Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University is: Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, P.M.B. 0248, Along Kano Road, Bauchi, Bauchi State, Nigeria. Visit https://www.atbu.edu.ng for directions.
What are the admission requirements for ATBU?
ATBU admission requirements: (1) JAMB UTME minimum score of 160 (general); Medicine and Surgery requires 250+, Law requires 240+, Engineering requires 180–220, Science programmes require 190+. ATBU must be chosen as first-choice institution. (2) Five O'Level credit passes at not more than two sittings, including English Language, Mathematics and programme-relevant subjects. (3) Engineering requires credits in Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics and one other science subject. (4) Medicine requires credits in Biology, Chemistry, Physics and Mathematics. (5) ATBU conducts Post-UTME screening (CBT) for all candidates above the cut-off. (6) Direct Entry via A'Level (two passes in relevant subjects) or ND/HND Upper Credit is available. Acceptance fee must be paid within the stipulated deadline after admission offer.
Does ATBU have hostel accommodation?
Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University provides on-campus hostel accommodation for students.
Is ATBU accredited?
Yes, Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University is fully accredited by the National Universities Commission (NUC).
Where is ATBU located?
Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University is located in Bauchi, Bauchi, Nigeria. Full address: Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, P.M.B. 0248, Along Kano Road, Bauchi, Bauchi State, Nigeria.
When was ATBU established?
Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University was established in 1980, making it 46 years old as of 2026. It is a federal institution.