ATBU Lecturer Sacked Over Sexual Harassment

The Governing Council of Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University (ATBU) in Bauchi has dismissed senior lecturer Dr. Usman Mohammed Aliyu following a thorough investigation into allegations of sexual harassment involving a postgraduate student. The dismissal was approved during the Council’s 96th regular meeting on April 11, 2025.

According to a Special Bulletin released by ATBU HERALD on April 22, 2025, the Senior Staff Disciplinary Committee found Dr. Aliyu guilty of misconduct, leading to the Council’s decision to dismiss him from the university’s service with immediate effect.

The dismissal letter, signed by Senior Deputy Registrar Abdullahi Sulaiman, stated that Dr. Aliyu was found guilty of an “indecent relationship” with Mrs. Kamila Rufai Aliyu, a postgraduate student in the Department of Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering and Engineering Technology.

“The Council has subsequently approved your dismissal from the service of the University with immediate effect. You are hereby directed to hand over all property of the University in your possession to your Head of Department and your identification card to the Chief Security Officer,” the letter reads.

The university’s action was taken in accordance with Chapter 3, Item F, I, (o) of the Senior Staff Conditions of Service. Mrs. Kamila Rufai Aliyu had petitioned the university management in 2024, alleging that Dr. Aliyu sexually harassed her and threatened her academic progress.

Dr. Aliyu had filed a defamation lawsuit against Mrs. Kamila, her department, and the university in an attempt to counter the allegations.