By Segun Adewale in Bauchi
Management of Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University (ATBU), Bauchi, has dissociated itself from a fake circular linked to it directing parents/guardians to pay some amount of money for services in the institution as students resume.

The Director, Directorate of Information and Communications,Zailani Bappa, in a press statement on Monday, 5 January, 2026, stated that, “The Management of the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University has noted in circulation on some social media platforms, a circular, purportedly released from the Registry of the University, advising parents and guardians that the University will re-open on Friday, 2nd January, 2026.”
According to him, “The circular further stated the amount of N80,000 as accommodation fees. The said circular, which carries the date of 29th December, 2025, has a forgery of the University Registrar’s signature, Alhaji Kabiru Garba Aminu.”

Zailani Bappa added that, “Management categorically disown this circular and wishes to distance itself from its intent and content entirely.”
He stressed that, “The University wishes to call on parents, guardians and other stakeholders to disregard the circular and be reminded that the date of resumption for returning students remains Monday, 5th January, 2026 while new students will resume on Monday, 12th January, 2026 as indicated duly in the Senate approved academic calendar for 2025/2026 academic session.
“Furthermore, management has not reviewed or intends to review registration fees for both new and returning students at the moment. We wish our students a happy return and a prosperous new academic year”.

