ATBUTH College of Nursing Sciences Temporarily Closed
FNA NEWS, 4th of September, 2026
Hostel renovation and accommodation challenges disrupt academic activities as students raise concerns over professional examinations and the NMCN 28-day requirement.
College of Nursing Sciences at Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Teaching Hospital (ATBUTH), Bauchi, has been temporarily closed following concerns surrounding ongoing hostel renovation and the accommodation challenges facing students.
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The closure, which took effect on August 27, 2026, was announced by the hospital management as necessary to safeguard students’ safety and welfare while renovation work continues.
According to the management, academic activities at the college, including lectures, clinical postings and examinations, have been suspended until further notice. Students have also been advised to remain in contact with their class representatives and the Office of the Dean/Student Affairs for official updates.
But behind the temporary closure is a hostel situation that has increasingly become a concern for students.
The hostel situation behind the closure
Students say the renovation of the Nursing and Midwifery hostels has been ongoing for about eight months, with the actual work reportedly experiencing prolonged delays.
According to accounts from students, the college had initially discussed a phased approach to the renovation, with one department going on a three-week break while renovation was carried out in one hostel before the other department followed.
Students said the arrangement was also expected to take into consideration the 28-day requirement of the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria (NMCN) concerning prolonged absence from classes or postings.
However, they said the plan subsequently changed, with renovation work commencing on both hostels at the same time.
Temporary accommodation was reportedly provided, with the Entrepreneurship Laboratory used for male students and the College Examination Hall for female students.
Students, however, say the arrangements have not been sufficient to accommodate everyone.
Some reportedly had to seek accommodation elsewhere in Bauchi, while others said they have had to stay in places such as mosques and a chapel with their belongings.
The students say this has created additional financial pressure and raised concerns about their safety and welfare.
What happens to students’ academic calendar?
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The temporary closure has also created uncertainty around the students’ academic progression.
Students are particularly concerned about the possibility of being affected by the NMCN’s 28-day requirement, which they say could have implications for students who remain away from classes or clinical postings for 28 consecutive days.
Their concern is heightened by the fact that the current disruption is linked to the temporary closure of the college itself.
The students are therefore seeking clarification on how the period of closure will be treated and whether they could face academic consequences for an absence arising from the institution’s decision to suspend activities.
Upcoming professional examination raises concern
Another concern is the upcoming September Midwifery Council examination.
The students are not alleging that the institution has formally announced that they will be prevented from sitting the examination.
Rather, their concern is that with the college temporarily closed and academic activities suspended, they may face difficulties participating in the professional examination when it is due.
Some students have reportedly already paid their examination fees and are preparing for the examination.
The uncertainty has also reportedly prompted some parents to become involved, as they seek clarity on how the temporary closure could affect their children’s professional progression.
At the time of this report, the specific arrangements between the college and the relevant professional regulatory authorities regarding the examination had not been independently established by FNA.
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Student Union activities also suspended
The temporary closure has also resulted in the suspension of Student Union Government activities.
In a letter dated September 1, 2026, the College of Nursing Sciences directed the immediate suspension of Student Union activities until further notice.
The directive suspended meetings, gatherings, campaigns, elections, dues collection and other union programmes, while the Student Union office was also directed to remain closed.
The letter, signed by Provost Adamu Ahmadu, stated that the decision was necessitated by the temporary closure of the college and the ongoing hostel renovation and accommodation challenges affecting students’ safety, welfare and learning.
Students have expressed concern about the suspension, particularly because it comes amid the ongoing welfare challenges.
However, the official letter available to FNA does not state that the suspension was intended to prevent students from seeking external assistance.
Students want answers
For the affected students, the immediate concern goes beyond the physical closure of the college.
They want to know when the hostel renovation will be completed, when academic activities will resume, how the 28-day NMCN requirement will be handled, and what arrangements will be made for students preparing for professional examinations.
They are also calling for clearer communication regarding the renovation and alternative accommodation arrangements.
The situation therefore leaves several questions requiring answers from the relevant authorities.
When will the renovation be completed?
When will students return to the college and their hostels?
How will the disruption affect the academic calendar?
And how will students preparing for professional examinations be supported during the closure?
For now, the College of Nursing Sciences remains temporarily closed.
But for the students, the bigger concern is what happens to their education, accommodation and professional progression while they wait for the institution to reopen.
FNA will continue to follow developments.
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Fellow Nurses Africa is the independent voice of African nursing, we educate, inform and support nurses across Africa.
Durowoju Abisola is a registered nurse, nurse writer and On-Air Correspondent at Fellow Nurses Africa (FNA), passionate about nursing leadership, health education and advocacy.
Through journalism, storytelling and content creation, she amplifies important conversations around nursing, healthcare and the experiences of nurses in Nigeria. She is committed to using her voice and professional knowledge to educate the public, challenge misconceptions and inspire the next generation of nurses.
