A lecturer at the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, ATBU, Bauchi, has been accused of sexually harassing a married postgraduate student.

However, the said lecturer has filed a defamation suit in reaction to the allegations.

The student, a married woman, alleged that Dr Usman Mohammed Aliyu made sexual advances, harassed her, and allegedly issued threats of failing her in his course if she didn’t succumb to his sexual demands.

The husband of the victim, Ja’afaru Buba, through his legal counsel, had filed petitions against the lecturer with the university’s management, the head of the department and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission, ICPC.

A petition filed by the student’s lawyer, Mohammed Sani Esq, stated: “Our client is a Master’s student of Chemical Engineering at the university. Dr. Usman Mohammed Aliyu taught her CHE 635 (Polymer Processing and Its Applications) and is currently teaching her CHE 656 (Fluidization).

“However, taking advantage of their lecturer-student relationship, Dr Aliyu harassed our client multiple times, unlawfully invited her to his office and sent inappropriate love messages via WhatsApp, despite knowing she is a married woman.

“Our client resisted all his advances. In retaliation, Dr Aliyu threatened to fail her in her examinations and jeopardize her chances of graduating with her M.Eng. degree.”

The Counsel urged ATBU’s management to investigate the allegations thoroughly and apply appropriate sanctions to serve as a deterrent to others.

Interestingly, WhatsApp messages shared by the husband as seen by DAILY POST revealed the lecturer inviting the student to his office and asking, “Can you come and hug me?”

The student declined, responding with a firm “no.”

The messages also revealed the lecturer expressing affection and requesting to meet the student privately after work hours.

According to the husband, the alleged harassment began earlier this year.

Meanwhile, the university has promised to investigate the matter, but Dr Usman Mohammed Aliyu has filed a defamation suit at the Bauchi State High Court, seeking legal redress.

When contacted, ATBU’s Public Relations Officer, Zailani Bappah, stated he was unaware of the matter but promised to verify with the management.

However, he has yet to get back to our reporter as of the time of writing this report.

When contacted, the lecturer, Dr Usman Mohammed Aliyu said he would refrain from commenting further, as the case is already in court.

Sex scandal at ATBU: Lecturer accused of harassment, files defamation suit