Chairman of the Bauchi State House of Assembly Committee on Education and Member representing Madara/Chinade Constituency, Hon. Dr Nasiru Ahmed Ala, has called for urgent need for an amendment to the 2024 Law that renamed the Bauchi State Government-owned University, Sa’adu Zungur University (SAZU).
He made the call uring the plenary of the House on Friday, presided over by the Deputy Speaker, Rt Hon Jamilu Umar Dahiru.
The Law establishing the University was amended, changing the name from Bauchi State University, Gadau (BASUG) to Sa’adu Zungur University (SAZU).
While leading the debate, Nasiru Ahmed Ala said that the Law presented the University as “Sa’adu Zungur University” without stating its location.
He cited examples in the North-East, such as Taraba State University in Jalingo and Adamawa State University in Mubi, and others.
He added that in the North-West, there is the Kebbi State University of Science and Technology in Aliero, and other examples in the southern part of Nigeria.
He further cited examples of foreign Universities, stating that most of them are named after their locations.
He mentioned Oxford University, Cambridge, Melbourne, and California, saying all are named after their host towns, whereas in Bauchi, the Law only named it Sa’adu Zungur University.
The Lawmaker expressed concern over the removal of Gaɗau from the University’s name, noting that it has generated controversy among indigenes of the area, religious scholars, traditional rulers, and other stakeholders in the education sector.
The request for the amendment received unanimous support from all members of the House.
The Majority Leader, Hon. Saleh Hodi Jibir, said that including Gaɗau in the University’s name would be an honour to the people of the area. Hon. Habibu Umar also said the request was timely because a university without its location in the name is like following a road without a signpost.
Hon. Auwal Hassan called for the amendment to be passed without delay due to its importance.
The House, in conclusion, referred the request for the amendment of the name to the House Committee on Education with a mandate to report back within one week.
