SAZU Rejects Claims of VC Colluding with DSS to Hunt Student Over Critical Article

Byline: Khalid Idris Doya

Bauchi, Nigeria - August 01, 2025 (Series News Online)

The administration of Sa'adu Zungur University (SAZU) in Bauchi has vehemently denied a recent media allegation suggesting that Vice Chancellor Prof. Fatimah Tahir conspired with the Department of State Security (DSS) to target an individual over a critical article.

 In an official communiqué issued by University Spokesperson Auwal Hassan on Thursday, the institution branded the report as "fabricated, baseless, and defamatory." The statement asserted, "SAZU has taken cognizance of a deceitful and malicious article penned by Mr. Shehu Ahmed Buwayi and published by Sahara Reporters on July 30, 2025, entitled: 'Bauchi University VC Accused of Using DSS to Hunt Student Over ‘Critical’ Article'."

 The university underlined that the aforementioned publication, which cites apprehensions from the Centre for Information Technology and Development (CITAD), propagates false assertions regarding the Vice Chancellor's alleged involvement of the DSS to "pursue" Mr. Buwayi. Auwal Hassan elucidated, "The Vice Chancellor has neither commissioned nor collaborated with the DSS or any security apparatus to target or persecute any individual, including Mr. Shehu Ahmed Buwayi. This allegation is utterly fallacious and malignantly motivated."

 Hassan emphasized that Prof. Tahir is steadfast in upholding democratic principles and freedom of expression. The university further affirmed that Mr. Shehu Ahmed Buwayi has no affiliation with Sa'adu Zungur University as a student, a fact susceptible to independent confirmation.

 The institution reiterated, "Thus, any insinuation of 'student persecution' constitutes a deliberate distortion aimed at garnering public sympathy and undermining the university's leadership." Reaffirming the Vice Chancellor's dedication to freedom of expression, the statement cited, "Professor Tahir is a distinguished academic, an experienced administrator, and a democratic stalwart who firmly believes in the constitutional rights of citizens to express themselves, as enshrined in Section 39 of the Nigerian Constitution."

 SAZU cautioned that libelous publications can incur legal repercussions, referencing Section 373 of the Nigerian Criminal Code. Auwal Hassan declared, "Any publication that besmirches an individual's reputation by exposing them to scorn, disdain, or mockery may constitute Defamation of Character, a criminal offense entailing potential legal consequences."

 The university has formally demanded that Mr. Shehu Ahmed Buwayi retract his allegations against the Vice Chancellor and the institution forthwith. SAZU also appealed to CITAD to conduct thorough investigations and verify the veracity of claims before disseminating them to the public.

 The communiqué implored, "We reemphasize that Mr. Shehu Ahmed Buwayi is NOT, nor has he ever been, a student of SAZU, thereby nullifying his standing to speak on behalf of the university community. All entities and individuals orchestrating this campaign of vilification are urged to cease and desist, as these actions are detrimental not only to the university leadership but also to the institution, its students, and the esteemed reputation of Bauchi State."

 Sa'adu Zungur University reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to academic distinction, integrity, and intellectual discourse, assuring its continued pursuit of excellence as a premier institution of higher learning in Nigeria.