Sa'adu Zungur Varsity Refutes Allegation Of Student Persecution
By Khalid Idris Doya
The management of Sa’adu Zungur University (SAZU), Bauchi, has dismissed a media report alleging that its Vice Chancellor, Prof. Fatimah Tahir, engaged the Department of State Security (DSS) to hunt student over a critical article.
In a statement issued by the university's Public Relations Officer, Auwal Hassan on Thursday, described the report as "false, unfounded, and malicious."
The university noted that the article authored by one Mr. Shehu Ahmed Buwayi, was not only misleading but also deliberately targeted to tarnish the image of the Vice Chancellor and the institution.
"The attention of the Sa’adu Zungur University (SAZU) has been drawn to a misleading and malicious publication authored by one Mr. Shehu Ahmed Buwayi and published by Sahara Reporters on 30th July 2025, under the headline: 'Bauchi University VC Accused of Using DSS to Hunt Student Over ‘Critical’ Article'", the statement read.
"This publication, which cites concerns by the Centre for Information Technology and Development (CITAD), makes false claims that the Vice Chancellor of the university, Professor Fatimah Tahir, has engaged the Department of State Security (DSS) to 'hunt' Mr. Buwayi over an article he published."
Auwal clarified that Prof. Tahir neither instructed nor influenced any security agency to target Mr. Buwayi or any individual.
"The Vice Chancellor has not instructed, influenced, or engaged the Department of State Security (DSS) or any security agency to target or hunt any student or individual, including Mr. Shehu Ahmed Buwayi. This claim is completely false, unfounded, and malicious."
He further stated that Mr. Shehu Ahmed Buwayi has never been a student of Sa'adu University, a fact that can be independently verified.
"Therefore, any claim of 'student persecution' is a deliberate misrepresentation aimed at gaining public sympathy and discrediting the leadership of the university."
Reaffirming the Vice Chancellor's commitment to democratic values and freedom of expression, the university emphasised that these rights must be exercised responsibly.
"Professor Tahir is a well-respected academic, a seasoned administrator, and a democratic leader who believes firmly in the rights of all citizens to express themselves, as guaranteed under Section 39 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria."
"She has consistently promoted freedom of expression, academic freedom, and open dialogue within the university.
Quoting Section 373 of the Nigerian Criminal Code, the university warned that any publication intended to damage a person's reputation could constitute defamation, which is a criminal offense.
"Any publication that injures the reputation of a person by exposing them to hatred, contempt, or ridicule may constitute Defamation of Character, a criminal offense that carries the possibility of legal consequences," Auwal added.
SAZU University also demanded Mr. Shehu Ahmed Buwayi to immediately retract his claims against the Vice Chancellor and the University.
The institution also called on CITAD to investigate thoroughly and verify the truthfulness of claims it lent its name to, before publishing such allegations at all times.
"We reiterate that Mr. Shehu Ahmed Buwayi is NOT, was never, a student of SAZU and has no standing to speak as one.
"All parties or individuals behind this campaign of sabotage are urged to desist. These actions are harming not just the university leadership but the institution itself, its students, and the good image of Bauchi State," the statement urged.
The Sa’adu Zungur University reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to academic excellence, integrity, and open dialogue of thought under the leadership of the Vice Chancellor, and continued support of the state government.
It also assured that it remains focused on building a world-class university that Bauchi State and Nigeria will continue to be proud of.
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