SAZU Refutes Allegations Against Vice Chancellor, Demands Retraction From Accuser

From Paul Orude Bauchi 

Bauchi State owned Sa’adu Zungur University (SAZU) has refuted allegations published by Sahara Reporters claiming that the institution’s Vice Chancellor, Professor Fatimah Tahir, used the Department of State Services (DSS) to target a purported student over a critical article.

The article, authored by one Mr. Shehu Ahmed Buwayi and published on July 30, 2025, alleges that Professor Tahir orchestrated a DSS crackdown on him following his publication criticizing the university’s leadership. The report also cited the Centre for Information Technology and Development (CITAD) as raising concern over the alleged incident.

In a press release signed by the university’s Public Relations Officer, Auwal Hassan, SAZU described the allegations as “false, malicious, and unfounded,” asserting that at no time has the Vice Chancellor engaged or instructed the DSS or any security agency to pursue Mr. Buwayi or any other individual.

“The Vice Chancellor has not instructed, influenced, or engaged the Department of State Security or any security agency to target any student or individual, including Mr. Shehu Ahmed Buwayi,” the statement said. “This claim is completely false and malicious.”

The university further clarified that records indicate Mr. Buwayi has never been a student of SAZU, contrary to the narrative presented by the report. “This is a verifiable fact,” the statement emphasized, dismissing claims of student persecution as a deliberate distortion of the truth.

Highlighting Professor Tahir’s academic and administrative pedigree, the university affirmed her firm commitment to democratic values, freedom of expression, and academic freedom, adding that she upholds the rights guaranteed under Section 39 of the Nigerian Constitution.

However, SAZU cautioned that freedom of expression must not be confused with defamation. “Under Section 373 of the Nigerian Criminal Code, 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,” the statement noted.

The university has called on Mr. Buwayi to immediately retract his statements, and urged CITAD to verify claims before lending its name to any publication in the future. SAZU also warned those behind what it described as a “campaign of sabotage” to desist, stating that such actions are damaging to the institution’s image and the educational future of its students.

Reaffirming its dedication to excellence and integrity, the statement concluded: “Under the dynamic leadership of the Vice Chancellor, and with the steadfast support of the state government, we remain focused on building a world-class university that Bauchi State and Nigeria will continue to be proud of.”