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Prominent Federal University Sacks Senior Lecturer for Sexually Harassing Married Student.

admin3 weeks ago06 mins

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In a bold move that has stirred conversations across Nigeria’s educational landscape, Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University (ATBU), Bauchi, has officially dismissed a senior lecturer in the Department of Chemical Engineering following serious sexual harassment allegations involving a married postgraduate student. This case not only reflects the internal mechanisms of accountability within the university system but also brings into focus the urgent need to address academic misconduct across Nigeria’s higher institutions.

Details of the Incident: A Case of Abuse of Power?

The individual at the center of the storm is Dr. Usman Aliyu, a prominent academic figure at ATBU. He was accused by Mrs. Kamila Rufai Aliyu, a postgraduate student, of making repeated unwanted advances and threatening her academic progression if she refused to give in to his demands.

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According to reports, Mrs. Aliyu, who is married, formally lodged complaints against the lecturer, detailing instances of harassment and intimidation. These claims prompted an internal investigation by the university’s Senior Staff Disciplinary Committee, which found Dr. Usman Aliyu guilty of gross misconduct.

This disciplinary action reached its conclusion at the university’s 96th Regular Council Meeting, held on April 11, 2025. The university wasted no time in issuing a formal dismissal letter, signed by Alhaji Abdullahi Suleiman, the Senior Deputy Registrar of Senior Staff Establishment.

Legal Battle in the Background: Defamation Suit Ongoing

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Interestingly, while the university was conducting its internal probe, Dr. Usman Aliyu initiated a defamation lawsuit against both the student and the university, claiming his reputation was being unjustly tarnished. However, ATBU made it clear that their decision was based solely on their internal disciplinary findings and not influenced by the ongoing legal proceedings.

The university’s stance emphasizes that no legal maneuvering will deter them from upholding ethical standards and student safety within their academic community.

ATBU’s Message: Zero Tolerance for Sexual Harassment

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By taking swift and decisive action against one of its own, ATBU has sent a powerful message: sexual harassment within academia will not be tolerated. The institution has reiterated its commitment to maintaining a safe, respectful, and inclusive environment for students, regardless of gender or academic status.

This dismissal stands as a warning to other lecturers and academic staff across Nigerian universities — misconduct will be met with appropriate disciplinary action.

Why This Matters: A Wake-Up Call for Nigeria’s Education Sector

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Cases like this one are unfortunately not rare in Nigeria’s higher institutions. From coercion for grades to intimidation and abuse of authority, sexual harassment in Nigerian universities is a longstanding issue that many victims have remained silent about for fear of retaliation.

But change may finally be on the horizon. ATBU’s move could pave the way for other universities to implement stricter anti-harassment policies, strengthen disciplinary committees, and create safe avenues for students to report academic abuse.

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This incident also raises important questions:

• Are enough preventive measures in place across universities?

• What support systems are available for victims of harassment?

• How transparent are university disciplinary processes?

Empowering Students: The Need for Whistleblower Protection

For students to feel empowered to come forward, institutions must establish solid whistleblower protections, confidential reporting platforms, and third-party monitoring systems. ATBU’s handling of this matter offers a blueprint that other schools can adopt, but it’s only the beginning of a larger fight against power abuse in academia.

Conclusion: A Landmark Case That Could Redefine Ethics in Nigerian Universities

The dismissal of Dr. Usman Aliyu from ATBU serves as a landmark case — a significant turning point in Nigeria’s fight against sexual harassment in higher education. It demonstrates that no individual, regardless of their academic rank, is above the rules when it comes to student rights and university ethics.

As conversations around gender-based violence, harassment, and power dynamics in education grow louder, Nigeria must seize this moment to reform policies, educate stakeholders, and create safer campuses nationwide.