The Vice-Chancellor of Sa’adu Zungur University (SAZU), Gadau, Professor Fatimah Tahir, has denied claims that she engaged the Department of State Services (DSS) or any other security agency to target any student or individual, including one Mr. Shehu Ahmed Buwayi.
In an official statement issued by the university’s Public Relations Officer, Auwal Hassan, the Vice-Chancellor described the allegation as false, baseless, and intended to damage her reputation.
“For the record, there has never been a student named Shehu Ahmed Buwayi enrolled at SAZU. This is a verifiable fact,” the statement said. “Any claims of ‘student persecution’ are entirely false and appear to be aimed at gaining public sympathy and discrediting the leadership of the university.”
Professor Tahir was also described as a respected academic and administrator who strongly believes in freedom of expression, as guaranteed under Section 39 of the Nigerian Constitution. The statement noted that the university under her leadership has promoted open dialogue and academic freedom.
However, the university reminded the public that freedom of speech does not include the right to defame or incite hatred against others. According to Section 373 of the Nigerian Criminal Code, any publication that harms someone’s reputation or exposes them to ridicule or contempt may be considered defamation, which is a criminal offence.
The university was responding to a report published by Sahara Reporters on July 30, 2025, titled: “Bauchi University VC Accused of Using DSS to Hunt Student Over ‘Critical’ Article”. The article, based on claims by Mr. Buwayi and supported by the Centre for Information Technology and Development (CITAD), alleged that Professor Tahir used the DSS to intimidate Mr. Buwayi over an article he wrote.
SAZU firmly denied the report and demanded that Mr. Buwayi retract his false statements. The university also urged CITAD to verify the accuracy of any claims before associating its name with them.
“Let it be clear: Mr. Shehu Ahmed Buwayi is not, and has never been, a student of SAZU. He has no right to speak as one,” the statement emphasized. “Those behind these falsehoods are harming the university’s leadership, its students, and the image of Bauchi State.”
The university concluded by reaffirming its commitment to academic excellence, integrity, and free expression in a peaceful and respectful environment.
