Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University (ATBU), located in Bauchi State, has dismissed Dr. Usman Mohammed Aliyu, a lecturer in the Faculty of Engineering, following allegations of sexual harassment brought by a married postgraduate student.
The complaint was filed by Mrs. Kamila Rufai Aliyu, a postgraduate student in the Department of Chemical Engineering. She accused Dr. Aliyu of sexual harassment and claimed that he threatened her academic progress unless she complied with his demands. The student submitted a formal petition to the university management through her department to launch an investigation into the matter.
In response, Dr. Aliyu took legal action, filing a defamation lawsuit against Mrs. Aliyu, the department, and the university itself. However, the investigation into the allegations continued.
According to the ATBU Herald Newsletter dated April 22, Vol. 39 No. 5, the university’s Governing Council decided to dismiss Dr. Aliyu after reviewing the case. The decision was made in their 96th regular meeting, held on April 11, 2025. The report confirmed that Dr. Aliyu was found guilty of sexual harassment following a thorough investigation by the Senior Staff Disciplinary Committee.
The newsletter stated, “In its 96th regular meeting held on Friday, April 11, 2025, the Council approved the dismissal of Dr. Aliyu for sexual harassment.” The decision was also based on the university’s Senior Staff Conditions of Service, specifically Chapter 3, item f.1(o), which addresses misconduct.
The official letter of dismissal served to Dr. Aliyu clearly stated: “Following the report of the Senior Staff Disciplinary Committee finding 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.”
Dr. Aliyu was instructed to return all university property in his possession and submit his identification card to the Chief Security Officer at the university.
The Students Forum Nigeria serves as the ultimate hub for Nigerian students, fostering academic growth, social engagement, and knowledge sharing.
