By Beatrice Gondyi Bauchi
The Management of Sa’adu Zungur University (SAZU) has denied the allegation made by Mr Shehu Ahmed Buwayi, accusing the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Fatima Tahir of engaging the Department of State Security (DSS) to witch-hunt him over an article he published.
This was contained in a press statement by the Public Relations Officer, Sa’adu Zungur University (SAZU), Auwal Hassan and made available to journalists in Bauchi.
According to the statement, the attention of the Sa’adu Zungur University (SAZU) was 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 stated that the publication, which cited concern by the Centre for Information Technology and Development (CITAD), made false claims that the Vice Chancellor of the university, Professor Fatimah Tahir, engaged the Department of State Security (DSS) to hunt Mr. Buwayi over an article the published.
“We wish to unequivocally debunk this fabrication and clarify the facts and set the record straight. The Vice Chancellor has never 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.
“For the record, the University has at no time had a Mr. Shehu Ahmed Buwayi as a student in the university. This is a verifiable fact. Therefore, any claim of “Student persecution” is a deliberate misrepresentation aimed at gaining public sympathy and discrediting the leadership of the university.
“The Vice Chancellor 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.
“However, it is important to note that freedom of expression does not include the right to defame, slander, or incite hatred. Under Section 373 of the Nigerian Criminal Code, any publication that injures the repuutation 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”
“In view of the above facts, Sa’adu Zungur University SAZU demands that Mr. Shehu Ahmed Buwayi must immediately retract his false and defamatory statements against the Vice Chancellor and the University.
“That CITAD must 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”
“We wish to reaffirm our unwavering commitment to academic excellence, integrity, and open dialogue at Sa’adu Zungur University. 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,” the statement read.
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