Choosing the right course to study is one of the most important decisions you'll make as a prospective student. If you're considering you're looking at one of Nigeria's top federal universities of technology with a strong reputation for academic excellence.

ATBU offers a wide range of courses across seven faculties and a College of Medical Sciences, giving you plenty of options whether you're interested in engineering, sciences, management, agriculture, or medicine. This is a break down of courses available at ATBU to help you make an informed choice.

Here's what makes ATBU unique:

Full Name

Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University

Location

Bauchi, Bauchi State, Nigeria

Type

Federal University of Technology

Established

1980 (as Federal University of Technology, Bauchi)

Motto

"Doctrina Mater Artium" (Education is the mother of the practical arts)

Number of Faculties

7 Faculties + 1 College of Medical Sciences

Campuses

Gubi Campus and Yelwa Campus

Total Courses

43 subject areas with 399+ specializations

ATBU is named after Nigeria's first Prime Minister, Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa, and has been producing graduates who excel in various fields since 1980.

ATBU Faculties and Their Locations

ATBU operates across two main campuses:

Gubi Campus (Main Campus) hosts:

  • Faculty of Agriculture and Agricultural Technology

  • Faculty of Education (Technology Education)

  • Faculty of Management Technology

  • College of Medical Sciences

Yelwa Campus hosts:

  • Faculty of Engineering & Engineering Technology

  • Faculty of Environmental Technology

  • Faculty of Science

Complete List of ATBU Courses by Faculty

1. Faculty of Engineering & Engineering Technology

The Faculty of Engineering is one of ATBU's most popular faculties, producing skilled engineers who solve real world problems. Here are the departments and courses:

Department

Course Offered

Agricultural & Bio-Resources Engineering

B.Eng. Agricultural Engineering

Automobile Engineering

B.Eng. Automobile Engineering

Chemical Engineering

B.Eng. Chemical Engineering

Civil Engineering

B.Eng. Civil Engineering

Computer & Communication Engineering

B.Eng. Computer Engineering

Electrical/Electronics Engineering

B.Eng. Electrical/Electronics Engineering

Mechanical/Production Engineering

B.Eng. Mechanical Engineering

Mechatronics & Systems Engineering

B.Eng. Mechatronics Engineering

Petroleum Engineering

B.Eng. Petroleum Engineering

What makes this faculty special: Hands on practical training, well equipped laboratories, and strong industry connections.

Who should apply: Students passionate about technology, problem solving, and innovation. You need strong performance in Mathematics, Physics, and Chemistry.

2. Faculty of Science

The Faculty of Science prepares students for careers in research, technology, and scientific innovation. It's perfect if you love discovering how things work.

Department

Courses Offered

Biological Sciences

B.Sc. Biology
B.Sc. Botany
B.Sc. Zoology

Biochemistry

B.Sc. Biochemistry

Chemistry

B.Sc. Chemistry

B.Sc. Industrial Chemistry

Geology

B.Sc. Geology

B.Sc. Applied Geophysics

Mathematical Sciences

B.Sc. Mathematics

B.Sc. Statistics

B.Sc. Computer Science

Microbiology

B.Sc. Microbiology

Physics

B.Sc. Physics

B.Sc. Applied Physics

Ecology

B.Sc. Ecology

What makes this faculty special: Strong emphasis on research, modern laboratories, and opportunities for field work.

Who should apply: Students interested in research, laboratory work, and contributing to scientific knowledge. Strong O'level grades in science subjects are essential.

3. Faculty of Environmental Technology

This faculty trains professionals who design and manage the built environment. If you're interested in architecture, construction, or city planning, this is your faculty.

Department

Courses Offered

Architecture

B.Sc. Architecture

Building

B.Sc. Building Technology

Environmental Management Technology

B.Sc. Environmental Management

Estate Management & Valuation

B.Sc. Estate Management

Industrial Design

B.Sc. Industrial Design

Quantity Surveying

B.Sc. Quantity Surveying

Survey & Geo-Informatics

B.Sc. Surveying & Geo-informatics

Urban & Regional Planning

B.Sc. Urban & Regional Planning

What makes this faculty special: Studio based learning, real world projects, and preparation for professional registration exams.

Who should apply: Creative students interested in design, construction, property management, or urban development.

4. Faculty of Agriculture and Agricultural Technology

ATBU's agriculture programs combine traditional farming knowledge with modern technology to address food security challenges.

Department

Courses Offered

Animal Production

B.Agric. Animal Science

Crop Production

B.Agric. Crop Science

B.Agric. Agronomy

Agricultural Economics & Extension

B.Agric. Agricultural Economics

B.Agric. Agricultural Extension

Soil Science

B.Agric. Soil Science

What makes this faculty special: Large farm estates for practical training, research in modern agricultural techniques, and focus on agribusiness.

Who should apply: Students passionate about food production, agribusiness, sustainable farming, or rural development.

5. Faculty of Management Technology

This faculty prepares future business leaders, accountants, and managers with both theoretical knowledge and practical skills.

Department

Courses Offered

Accounting & Finance Technology

B.Sc. Accounting

B.Sc. Banking & Finance

Management & Information Technology

B.Sc. Business Management

B.Sc. Management Information Systems

B.Sc. Technopreneurship

What makes this faculty special: Focus on technology driven business solutions, entrepreneurship training, and industry partnerships.

Who should apply: Students interested in business, accounting, finance, entrepreneurship, or management roles.

6. Faculty of Technology Education

This faculty trains teachers who will educate the next generation in technical and vocational subjects.

Department

Courses Offered

Education Foundation

B.Ed. Educational Management

Science Education

B.Ed. Biology Education

B.Ed. Chemistry Education

B.Ed. Physics Education

B.Ed. Mathematics Education

Vocational & Technology Education

B.Ed. Technical Education

B.Ed. Vocational Education

Library & Information Science

B.Sc. Library & Information Science

What makes this faculty special: Combines teaching methodology with subject mastery, producing highly qualified educators.

Who should apply: Students who want to become teachers, lecturers, school administrators, or librarians.

7. College of Medical Sciences

The College of Medical Sciences is ATBU's newest addition, training healthcare professionals to serve Nigeria's medical needs.

Department

Courses Offered

Medicine & Surgery

MBBS (Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery)

Public Health

B.Sc. Public Health

Nursing Science

B.NSc. Nursing Science

Note: The College has two locations:

  • Pre-clinical studies: Gubi Campus

  • Clinical studies: Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Teaching Hospital (ATBUTH)

What makes this college special: Modern teaching hospital, experienced faculty, and comprehensive medical training.

Who should apply: Highly dedicated students interested in medicine, healthcare, or public health. Note: Medicine & Surgery is highly competitive and requires excellent JAMB scores (typically 200+).

General Studies Program

All ATBU students take General Studies courses that develop critical thinking, communication, and entrepreneurship skills. These courses include:

  • Use of English

  • Nigerian Peoples and Culture

  • Introduction to Entrepreneurship

  • Introduction to Philosophy and Logic

  • Communication in English

Other Academic Programs at ATBU

Beyond undergraduate degrees, ATBU offers:

Postgraduate Programs

  • Postgraduate Diploma (PGD) in various fields

  • Master's Degrees (M.Sc., M.Eng., M.Ed.) across all faculties

  • Ph.D. Programs for advanced research

Pre Degree and Foundation Programs

  • IJMB (Interim Joint Matriculation Board) – Direct entry admission

  • Remedial Studies – Foundation program for candidates needing extra preparation

  • Diploma Programs – In selected departments

Part Time Programs

ATBU offers part time courses through its School of Continuing Education for working professionals who want to upgrade their qualifications.

Admission Requirements for ATBU Courses

Regardless of which course you choose, you must meet these basic requirements:

For UTME Candidates:

  • Minimum of 5 O'level credits including English Language and Mathematics (in not more than 2 sittings)

  • 160 minimum JAMB score (competitive courses require higher)

  • Correct JAMB subject combination for your chosen course

  • ATBU must be your first choice

  • Participate in Post-UTME screening

For Direct Entry Candidates:

  • A'Level, NCE, ND, or HND with relevant subjects

  • Minimum of 5 O'level credits including English and Mathematics

  • Meet departmental requirements

  • Register for Direct Entry screening

How to Choose the Right Course at ATBU

Picking a course isn't just about what's popular, it's about finding what suits you. Here's how to decide:

1. Consider Your Strengths

  • Good at calculations? → Engineering, Sciences, Quantity Surveying

  • Creative and artistic? → Architecture, Industrial Design

  • Love biology and helping people? → Medicine, Public Health, Microbiology

  • Business-minded? → Management, Accounting, Entrepreneurship

  • Enjoy teaching? → Education courses

2. Check Career Prospects

Research what graduates in your chosen field do after graduation. Will there be jobs? What's the salary range? Do you need additional certifications?

3. Assess Competition Level

Some courses are highly competitive (Medicine, Petroleum Engineering, Computer Science) while others have less competition. If your JAMB score isn't very high, consider less competitive options.

4. Think Long Term

Choose a course you can see yourself studying for 4-6 years and working in for decades. Don't just follow trends or pressure from family.

JAMB Subject Combinations for Popular ATBU Courses

Here are UTME subject requirements for some popular courses:

Course

JAMB Subjects

Medicine & Surgery

Physics, Chemistry, Biology + English

Engineering (all types)

Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics + English

Computer Science

Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry/Biology + English

Accounting

Mathematics, Economics, any of Government/Commerce + English

Architecture

Physics, Mathematics, any of Chemistry/Geography/Art + English

Agriculture

Chemistry, Biology/Agriculture, Physics/Mathematics + English

Geology

Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics/Geography + English

Always verify the exact subject combination for your chosen course in the current JAMB brochure, as requirements can change.

How to Apply for ATBU Courses

Ready to apply? Here's the process:

  1. Register for JAMB UTME (choose ATBU as first choice)

  2. Score at least 160 in JAMB (higher for competitive courses)

  3. Wait for Post UTME announcement (usually August)

  4. Register for ATBU Post UTME screening (₦2,000 fee)

  5. Check admission status on JAMB CAPS and ATBU portal

  6. Accept admission and pay acceptance fee

For more details on the application process, check ATBU's official website at www.atbu.edu.ng

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the most popular course at ATBU?
A: Engineering courses (especially Civil, Mechanical, and Petroleum) and Computer Science are extremely popular due to job prospects.

Q: Does ATBU offer Law or Mass Communication?
A: No. ATBU is a university of technology, so it focuses on science, technology, engineering, management, and medical courses.

Q: Can I study Nursing at ATBU?
A: Yes! ATBU recently introduced Nursing Science under the College of Medical Sciences.

Q: What's the duration of ATBU courses?
A: Most courses are 4-5 years. Medicine (MBBS) is 6 years. Architecture is typically 5 years.

Q: Can I change my course after admission?
A: Course changes are generally not allowed after Post-UTME screening. Choose carefully during JAMB registration.

Q: Which ATBU course has the lowest cut-off mark?
A: While the general cut-off is 160, departmental cut-offs vary. Education courses typically have lower competition than Engineering or Medicine.

Q: Does ATBU offer part-time programs?
A: Yes, through the School of Continuing Education for working professionals.