Bauchi Varsity: I didn’t direct DSS to hunt any student – VC

By: Ajiya Ayuba, Bauchi 

The Vice Chancellor of the Bauchi State Sa’adu Zungur University (SAZU), Fatimah Tahir on Thursday said she didn’t direct Department of Security Service (DSS) to hunt any student. 

The vice chancellor, Tahir made this known in a statement signed by the public relations officer of the institution, Auwal Hassan and issued to newsmen in Bauchi.

The statement read in part: “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”.

“This publication, which cites concern by the Centre for Information Technology and Development (CITAD), makes false claims that the Vice Chancellor of the university, Fatimah Tahir, has engaged the Department of State Security (DSS) to “hunt” Mr. Buwayi over an article he published”

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.

“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.

“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”

“Mr. Shehu Ahmed Buwayi must immediately retract his false and defamatory statements against the Vice Chancellor and the University. 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 Cahncellor, and with the steadfast support of the state government. 

Adding that “We remain focused on building a world-class university that Bauchi State and Nigeria will continue to be proud of. May peace, truth, and progress always triumph over misinformation and sabotage.