The Governing Council of Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University (ATBU), Bauchi, has approved the immediate dismissal of Dr. Usman Mohammed Aliyu, a senior lecturer at the institution, following findings of sexual misconduct involving a student.
The decision, which was made public via the university’s official bulletin, ATBU HERALD, on April 22, 2025, came after the Council’s 96th regular meeting held on Friday, April 11, 2025.
It followed the recommendation of the Senior Staff Disciplinary Committee, which conducted an in-depth probe into the allegations and found Dr. Aliyu culpable.
The lecturer’s dismissal was formally communicated through a letter signed by Abdullahi Sulaiman, the Senior Deputy Registrar, Senior Staff Establishment.
The letter stated that Dr. Aliyu was involved in an inappropriate relationship with a student, identified as Mrs. Kamila Rufai Aliyu, a postgraduate student in the Department of Chemical Engineering, under the Faculty of Engineering and Engineering Technology.
“The Council has subsequently approved your dismissal from the service of the University with immediate effect.”
“You are hereby directed to hand over all property of the University in your possession to your Head of Department and your identification card to the Chief Security Officer,” the letter read.
The bulletin noted that the action was in line with Chapter 3, Item F, I, (o) of the Senior Staff Conditions of Service of the University, which outlines disciplinary measures for staff misconduct.
Mrs. Kamila Rufai Aliyu had lodged a formal petition in 2024 with the university administration, accusing Dr. Aliyu of sexually harassing her and using threats to coerce compliance, including the potential disruption of her academic progress.
In response to the allegations, Dr. Aliyu filed a defamation lawsuit last year, targeting the student, her department, and the university, claiming damage to his reputation.
Despite this counteraction, the university council proceeded with its internal disciplinary process and found sufficient grounds to terminate his appointment.
