ATBU lecturer in court over alleged sexual harassment of MSc student

A lecturer with the Department of Chemical Engineering at the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University (ATBU), Bauchi has been accused of sexual harassment by one of his female students who is undergoing her postgraduate study.

The student, a married lady, accused her lecturer, Dr. Usman Mohammed Aliyu of sexual advancement, harassment, and threats to her academic pursuit.

The Lady’s spouse, Ja’afaru Buba, had, through his legal counsel, submitted copies of the petition against the lecturer to the ATBU management, the head of the department, and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC).

In a series of messages on WhatsApp shared with our reporter by the husband, the accused lecturer was seen inviting his student to his office, saying “see me in the office, can you come and hug me” while the lady replied with a declining “no” to “hugging”.

In the conversation seen by The Guardian, the teacher was seen expressing love while asking the students to meet him at a private place after working hours.

It was observed that the affectionate conversations as seen in the screenshot started early this year.

According to the husband, the University had pledged to investigate the matter but the accused lecturer swiftly filed a suit before the Bauchi State High Court seeking redress for alleged defamation of his person.

Meanwhile, copies of the petition submitted against the lecturer, and written by Barrister Mohammed Sani Esq. said: “That our client is a Masters Student of Chemical Engineering of the University, wherein Dr. Usman Mohammed Aliyu taught her CHE 635 (polymer processing and its application) and now teaches her, CHE 656 (Fluidization).

“However, in view of the student, lecturer relationship, the said Dr. Usman Mohammed Aliyu took advantage of harassing our client sexually, several times and without lawful justification invited her to his office and also sent her unbecoming love messages through WhatsApp despite knowing that our client is a married woman.

“It’s pertinent for you to know that our client did not honour any of his invitations.

“That, due to the resistance of our client, Dr. Usman Mohammed Aliyu informed our client’s friends that he would fail her in this examination as she will not graduate as an M.Eng. Student from the University. He also on a personal basis informed our client of the same threat because of her resistance to have sex with him.”

He urged the varsity management of ATBU to conduct a discreet investigation into the matter and sanction Dr. Usman Mohammed Aliyu by the university law and condition of service to serve as deterrence to other lecturers.

The Public Relations Officer of the University, Zailani Bappah, said he was not aware but he would confirm from the management and reply to our reporter.

He has not replied to our reporter 24 hours after.

Dr. Usman Mohammed Aliyu, the lecturer said he would stay action since the matter is before the court.