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 |
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:
Register for JAMB UTME (choose ATBU as first choice)
Score at least 160 in JAMB (higher for competitive courses)
Wait for Post UTME announcement (usually August)
Register for ATBU Post UTME screening (₦2,000 fee)
Check admission status on JAMB CAPS and ATBU portal
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.