ATBU Dismisses Lecturer Over Sexual Harassment Allegation Involving Postgraduate Student
A senior lecturer at Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University (ATBU), Bauchi, Dr. Usman Aliyu, has been dismissed from the institution following allegations of sexual harassment involving a married postgraduate student, Mrs. Kamila Aliyu.
The university’s Governing Council announced the decision in its official newsletter, ATBU Herald (Vol. 39 No. 5, April 22), citing the outcome of its 96th regular meeting held on April 11, 2025.
The publication revealed that the Council approved Dr. Aliyu’s dismissal based on findings from the Senior Staff Disciplinary Committee, which found him guilty of misconduct.
A portion of the dismissal letter read:
“Following the report of the Senior Staff Disciplinary Committee that found you guilty of an indecent relationship involving a student of the university, Mrs. Kamila Rufai Aliyu of the Department of Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering and Engineering Technology, the council has subsequently approved your dismissal from the services of the university with immediate effect.”
Mrs. Aliyu had lodged a formal complaint last year, accusing the lecturer of sexual harassment and alleging that he had threatened to hinder her academic progress unless she complied with his demands.
In response, Dr. Aliyu filed a defamation lawsuit against the student, the department, and the university. However, the institution continued with its internal disciplinary process.
According to a statement from the Senior Deputy Registrar, Senior Staff Establishment, Alhaji Abdullahi Suleiman, the dismissal was in accordance with the university’s regulations, specifically “Chapter 3, Item F, I (o) of the Senior Staff Conditions of Service.”
Dr. Aliyu has also been directed to return all university property.
“You are hereby directed to hand over all the property of the university in your possession to the Head of Department and your identification card to the Chief Security Officer of the university,” the letter concluded.