ATBU Dismisses Senior Lecturer Dr. Usman Aliyu Over Sexual Harassment of a Married Student

Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University

The Governing Council of Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University (ATBU), Bauchi, has officially dismissed Dr. Usman Aliyu, a senior lecturer in the university, following allegations of sexual harassment involving a married postgraduate student, Mrs. Kamila Aliyu.

The decision was disclosed in the university’s official newsletter, ATBU Herald (Vol. 39 No. 5, April 22), following the 96th regular meeting of the Governing Council held on April 11, 2025. According to the report, the dismissal was based on the recommendation of the Senior Staff Disciplinary Committee, which found Dr. Aliyu guilty of misconduct after thorough investigations.

The dismissal letter issued to the lecturer stated: “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. Kamila Aliyu had petitioned the university last year, accusing the lecturer of persistent sexual harassment and alleging that he threatened to jeopardize her academic progress unless she submitted to his demands. In retaliation, Dr. Aliyu filed a defamation lawsuit against the student, the department, and the institution. However, the university continued with its internal investigation, which ultimately led to the disciplinary decision.

The council’s action was carried out in accordance with Chapter 3, Item F, I (o) of the Senior Staff Conditions of Service of the University, as stated in an official release by the Senior Deputy Registrar, Senior Staff Establishment, Alhaji Abdullahi Suleiman.

The dismissal directive also instructed Dr. Aliyu to return all university property immediately: “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.”

This development underscores the institution's commitment to upholding academic integrity and ensuring a safe environment for all students, particularly in addressing cases of sexual misconduct and abuse of authority.