ATBU Dismisses Lecturer Over Sexual Harassment Allegation Involving Postgraduate Student
By Abdulwahab Muhammad Bauchi
Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University (ATBU), Bauchi, has officially dismissed Dr. Usman Mohammed Aliyu, a lecturer in the Department of Chemical Engineering, following allegations of sexual harassment made by a postgraduate student.
The university’s decision was disclosed in the April 22 edition of ATBU Herald (Vol. 39 No. 5), which stated that the Governing Council approved the dismissal during its 96th regular meeting held on April 11, 2025.
Dr. Aliyu was accused by Mrs. Kamila Rufai Aliyu, a postgraduate student in the same department, of harassment and of threatening her academic progress unless she complied with his demands. Her formal petition, submitted last year, triggered an investigation by the university's Senior Staff Disciplinary Committee.
The committee found Dr. Aliyu guilty of misconduct described as an "indecent relationship involving a student," prompting the Council to act in accordance with Chapter 3, Item F.1 (o) of the university’s Senior Staff Conditions of Service.
“In its 96th regular meeting held on Friday, 11th April, 2025, the Council approved the dismissal of Dr. Aliyu for sexual harassment,” the newsletter confirmed.
Interestingly, before the university’s final decision, Dr. Aliyu had filed a defamation suit against the student, the department, and the university. However, this legal move did not stop the internal disciplinary process from reaching its conclusion.
Following the dismissal, the lecturer was instructed to return all university property and submit his ID card to the institution’s Chief Security Officer.
This case underscores ATBU’s commitment to maintaining ethical standards and protecting students from abuse of power within the academic environment.
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