Leveraging Technology to Increase Accessibility
The core of our story is the goal to solve the persisting global problem of equal rights to equal educational opportunities.
Our History
The Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University (ATBU), located in Bauchi, in the northeastern region of Nigeria, stands as a pivotal federal technological institution; the choice of its name paying tribute to Nigeria’s first Prime Minister, Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa, the revered “Golden voice of Africa”. The university upholds the motto “Doctrina Mater Artium”, translating to “Education is the mother of the practical arts”, a philosophy the institution has consistently upheld in its commitment to providing comprehensive and holistic education to its students. This motto stems from the belief that foundational knowledge and comprehensive academic training are essential precursors to mastering practical skills and applications in real-world scenarios.
Founded in 1980 as the Federal University of Technology, Bauchi, the institution welcomed its inaugural batch of students for pre-degree and remedial programs in October 1981. By October 1982, degree courses commenced within the School of Science and Science Education. In a significant turn of events in 1984, the university amalgamated with Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria, undergoing a rebranding to become the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa College, Ahmadu Bello University, Bauchi campus. By 1988, the university reclaimed its independent status after a widespread separation of merged institutions. This restoration came with the present-day title: Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, Bauchi.
Around 1980, the university’s academic structure took shape after extensive consultations with academic specialists from Nigeria, the UK, and the USA. The resulting curriculum was distinctively applied, mirroring the ethos of a technology-centric institution—a principle that persists across all the university’s units.
ATBU Institute for Online and Distance Learning (IODL): Bridging the Accessibility Gap
In response to the unforeseen challenges and education gridlock brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic, ATBU recognized the dire need to ensure continuity in education and bridge the education accessibility gap. As educational institutions worldwide grappled with closures and restrictions, there was a growing recognition of the importance of virtual, flexible learning modes.
To this end, Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, along with its pioneer technological partner, FlexiSAF Edusoft Ltd, conceived the idea of its open and distance learning as an innovative approach to ensuring that education remained within the reach of learners, irrespective of their geographical location and socio-economic dispositions. ATBU-IODL was not just a reaction to the immediate challenges of the pandemic but a visionary move to prepare for a future where offsite learning would become an integral part of the educational landscape.
ATBU-IODL leverages cutting-edge technology and digital platforms to offer limitless and boundless education, allowing students to continue their studies without disruption. The ATBU curriculum, in order to meet the needs of ATBU-IODL, was redefined to be interactive and engaging, with virtual classrooms, discussion forums, and online resources.
This initiative emerged as a beacon of resilience and adaptability, ensuring that the university’s commitment to “Education as the mother of the practical arts” remained unshaken in the face of global adversities and evolution. Through this , ATBU addressed the immediate needs of a global need to increase access to quality education and positioned itself as a forward-thinking institution ready to embrace the evolving dynamics of 21st-century education.
Our Mode may be Evolving,
but Our Commitent is Unwavering...
Our Vision
To emerge as a pioneering online hub for the creation, dissemination, and application of knowledge dedicated to propelling humanity forward in a collaborative, inclusive and multicultural digital environment.
Our Mission
To offer premier online education tailored to contemporary needs, leadership, professional success, and purposeful living though teaching and research to advance sustainable understanding in an evolving world.
Our Philosophy
ATBU-IODL champions academic freedom, embraces tolerance, upholds probity, ensures equal opportunities, and celebrates cultural diversity within the digital learning space
Need some help?
We’re here to answer your questions. Our website is full of information to support your decision making, but if you can’t find what you need online, we offer several ways to contact us.