The Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University (ATBU) is a federal university of technology located in Bauchi, Bauchi State, Nigeria. Established in 1980, ATBU offers programs in engineering, technology and several other fields across different faculties. Like other federal universities in Nigeria, ATBU catchment areas and ELDS (Educationally Less Developed States) is an important factor put into consideration in its admission process.
In this article, we will provide detailed information on the ATBU catchment area, how it affects admission and what candidates should know when seeking admission into this university.
ATBU Catchment Area
Being a federal university, ATBU is required to prioritize students from certain states within its geographic region base on the catchment area policy. ATBU catchment area mainly comprises states from the North-East geopolitical zone of Nigeria. The designated states for ATBU’s catchment area include:
- Bauchi
- Borno
- Adamawa
- Gombe
- Taraba
- Yobe
Students from these states stand a higher chance of being admitted, especially in competitive courses, provided they meet the basic admission requirements. The catchment area policy allows for a more balanced distribution of educational opportunities across the country, addressing disparities between educationally more developed and less developed regions.
How Catchment Area Affects Admission to ATBU
Students applying to ATBU from the above listed catchment states may receive some advantages during the admission process. However, meeting the cut-off mark and other entry requirements is still very important Here’s how the catchment area system plays a role in admissions:
- Lower Cut-Off Marks: Candidates from catchment areas may sometimes be considered with slightly lower scores than those from non-catchment areas, particularly in high-demand courses.
- Increased Admission Slots: ATBU may allocate a higher number of admission slots to students from the catchment area to ensure fair representation.
- Competitive Advantage: If two candidates have equal qualifications, the one from the catchment area may be given priority in the admission process.
It is important to note that while catchment area status can give students a slight edge, it is not a guarantee of admission. Academic performance such as JAMB scores and Post-UTME results, still plays a significant role in determining admission.
ATBU Educationally Less Developed States (ELDS)
In addition to the catchment area, ATBU also gives special consideration to applicants from Educationally Less Developed States (ELDS). ELDS refers to states that have historically lower access to educational resources and infrastructure. This policy aims to promote equal educational opportunities across Nigeria by offering students from these states a better chance of gaining admission.
The states classified as ELDS include:
- Adamawa
- Bauchi
- Bayelsa
- Benue
- Borno
- Cross River
- Ebonyi
- Gombe
- Jigawa
- Kaduna
- Kano
- Katsina
- Kebbi
- Kogi
- Kwara
- Nasarawa
- Niger
- Plateau
- Rivers
- Sokoto
- Taraba
- Yobe
- Zamfara
Since ATBU is located in the North-East region, some of its catchment area states, such as Borno, Adamawa, and Yobe are also classified as ELDS. Candidates from these states may have an added advantage in the admission process due to both catchment and ELDS considerations.
Admission Requirements for ATBU
While the catchment area can provide certain advantages, all candidates must meet the following basic admission requirements:
- JAMB/UTME Requirement: Candidates must meet the minimum JAMB cut-off mark (which is usually around 180 for most courses but may be higher for competitive courses). They must also choose ATBU as their first choice during registration.
- O’Level Requirement: Candidates must have at least five (5) credit passes in relevant subjects, including English Language and Mathematics, at the SSCE, GCE, NECO or equivalent examination.
- Post-UTME Screening: Candidates must participate in the ATBU Post-UTME screening and perform well in the assessment to be considered for admission.
- Direct Entry Requirement: Direct entry candidates must possess a minimum of two A-Level passes in relevant subjects or equivalent qualifications such as OND, HND, or NCE.
Conclusion
In summary, ATBU catchment area includes neighbouring states from the North-East geopolitical zone, namely Bauchi, Borno, Adamawa, Gombe, Taraba, and Yobe. Students from these states may enjoy some advantages in the admission process, such as lower cut-off marks or some level of priority in competitive courses. Additionally, students from Educationally Less Developed States (ELDS) may receive further consideration.
However, while the catchment area and ELDS policies play may play a role, it is important for all prospective students to focus on meeting the academic requirements to improve their chances of gaining admission to ATBU.
For more information on the admission process, students can visit the ATBU official website.
1 Trackback / Pingback