Stakeholders of the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University (ATBU), Bauchi, have welcomed the institution’s latest national recognition, describing it as a clear response to critics of technology-based universities.
ATBU emerged as Nigeria’s most innovative university, third in research development, and sixth overall in the 2025 SCImago Institutions Rankings (SIR).
SCImago, a globally recognised ranking body, assesses universities using verifiable indicators such as research performance, innovation output, and societal impact.
Reacting to the development, Dr. Abubakar Abdullah Usman, an academic staff member and stakeholder of the university, said the ranking dispels long-standing misconceptions that technology-focused universities lack academic depth.
“For years, technology-based institutions have been unfairly underestimated,” he said. “ATBU’s performance in the 2025 SCImago rankings puts those doubts to rest.”
Dr. Usman noted that ranking first in innovation and third in research reflects the university’s growing capacity to produce impactful knowledge and convert ideas into practical solutions that benefit society and industry.
The recognition comes against the backdrop of an ongoing National Assembly bill proposing the conversion of ATBU from a technology-based institution to a conventional university.
According to Dr. Usman, the latest ranking highlights the importance of preserving institutions designed specifically for applied research and problem-solving.
“Innovation thrives in environments deliberately built for experimentation and real-world solutions,” he said. “ATBU’s top position in innovation shows the strength of its research culture and interdisciplinary collaboration.”
He added that SCImago’s globally accepted assessment criteria further validate ATBU’s performance across research, innovation, and societal impact.
“These rankings clearly demonstrate that technology-focused universities are not just relevant but essential to national development,” he said.
Dr. Usman stressed that technological education plays a critical role in economic growth and in equipping graduates with future-ready skills, adding that institutions like ATBU remain key drivers of innovation and progress in Nigeria.
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