Bauchi Assembly moves to amend law renaming BASUG to SAZU

Bauchi State House of Assembly has commenced moves to amend the 2024 law that renamed the state-owned university from Bauchi State University, Gadau, BASUG, to Sa’adu Zungur University, SAZU.

The move followed a motion presented during Friday’s plenary by the Chairman of the House Committee on Education and member representing Madara/Chinade Constituency, Hon. Dr. Nasiru Ahmed Ala.

Ala argued that the current law identifies the institution simply as “Sa’adu Zungur University” without indicating its location, a development he said differs from the naming convention adopted by many universities in Nigeria and across the world.

According to him, several universities, including those in the North-East and North-West regions, retain references to their host communities or locations in their official names.

He cited institutions such as Taraba State University, Jalingo; Adamawa State University, Mubi; and Kebbi State University of Science and Technology, Aliero, among others.

The lawmaker also referenced internationally recognised institutions such as Oxford University, Cambridge University, the University of Melbourne and the University of California, noting that their names reflect their geographical locations.

Ala expressed concern that the removal of “Gadau” from the university’s name had generated controversy among residents, traditional rulers, religious leaders and other stakeholders in the education sector.

Members of the Assembly unanimously supported the proposed amendment.

Speaking during the debate, the Majority Leader, Hon. Saleh Hodi Jibir, said restoring Gadau to the university’s name would recognise the community’s contribution to the institution’s development.

Another lawmaker, Hon. Habibu Umar, described the proposal as timely, arguing that a university’s identity is strengthened when its location is reflected in its name.

Hon. Auwal Hassan also backed the amendment and urged the Assembly to expedite action on the matter.

Following deliberations presided over by Deputy Speaker, Rt. Hon. Jamilu Umar Dahiru, the House referred the proposal to the Committee on Education and directed it to submit its report within one week.