A lecturer in the Department of Chemical Engineering at Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University (ATBU), Bauchi, Dr. Usman Mohammed Aliyu, has been accused of sexually harassing a married postgraduate student.

The allegations, brought forward by the student’s husband, Alhaji Ja’afaru Buba, have led to legal action and institutional investigations.The student alleges that the lecturer made unwanted advances, sent inappropriate WhatsApp messages, and threatened her academic progress. Shared screenshots reportedly show the lecturer expressing affection and requesting private meetings.

While the university has pledged to investigate the matter, the lecturer has filed a defamation suit at the Bauchi State High Court, denying the allegations.

In a petition filed by the student’s lawyer, Mohammed Sani, the lecturer is accused of abusing his position of authority by threatening to fail the student if she rejected his advances. The petition calls for ATBU to take disciplinary action in line with its code of conduct.

ATBU’s Public Relations Officer, Zailani Bappah, stated he was unaware of the allegations but would seek confirmation from management. The lecturer declined further comment, citing the ongoing legal case.