The management of Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, Bauchi, has dismissed a senior lecturer, Dr. Usman Aliyu, following allegations of sexual harassment involving a married postgraduate student, Mrs. Kamila Aliyu.
The dismissal was announced through the university’s internal publication, ATBU Herald (Vol. 39 No. 5, April 22, 2025), after the Governing Council reached its decision during its 96th regular meeting on April 11, 2025.
According to the newsletter, the university’s Senior Staff Disciplinary Committee investigated the allegations and found Dr. Aliyu guilty of misconduct involving an inappropriate relationship with a student.
“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, the council has approved your dismissal from the services of the university with immediate effect,” the letter read.
Mrs. Kamila Aliyu had accused Dr. Aliyu of persistent sexual advances and threats to her academic standing if she failed to comply. Her formal complaint to the university sparked the internal investigation that eventually led to the lecturer’s dismissal.
Despite denying the allegations and filing a defamation lawsuit against the student, the department, and the university, the institution proceeded with its disciplinary process.
The university cited “Chapter 3, Item F, I (o)” of its Senior Staff Conditions of Service as the basis for the dismissal. In a statement signed by Alhaji Abdullahi Suleiman, the Senior Deputy Registrar for Senior Staff Establishment, Dr. Aliyu was also instructed to return all university property and submit his identification card to the Chief Security Officer.
“The university has taken this action to uphold its values and protect the integrity of the academic environment,” Suleiman said.
The dismissal is part of ATBU’s ongoing efforts to tackle sexual misconduct and ensure a safe and respectful learning atmosphere for all students.
