The Governing Council of Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University (ATBU), Bauchi, has dismissed Dr. Usman Mohammed Aliyu, a senior lecturer, following allegations of sexual harassment. The dismissal, which was announced in the university’s official newsletter, ATBU Herald (Vol. 39 No. 5, April 22), stems from accusations made by Mrs. Kamila Rufai Aliyu, a married postgraduate student in the Department of Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering and Engineering Technology.

Mrs. Aliyu petitioned the University management, alleging that Dr. Aliyu sexually harassed her and threatened her academic success if she did not comply with his demands. The university's Senior Staff Disciplinary Committee investigated the matter and found Dr. Aliyu guilty of the offense.

In response to the allegations, Dr. Aliyu filed a defamation lawsuit against Mrs. Aliyu, the Department of Chemical Engineering, and the University. However, the University proceeded with its internal investigations, culminating in the decision by the Governing Council during its 96th regular meeting held on Friday, April 11, 2025, to dismiss Dr. Aliyu.

The dismissal is in accordance with Chapter 3, Item F, I (o) of the Senior Staff Conditions of Service of the University, as stated in the dismissal letter. The letter, signed by the Senior Deputy Registrar, Senior Staff Establishment, Alhaji Abdullahi Suleiman, directs Dr. Aliyu to hand over all university property in his possession to the Head of Department and his identification card to the Chief Security Officer of the University.

The dismissal letter reads: “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.”