SAZU Breaks Silence on DSS Allegation, Says Accuser Was Never a Student
“No link to DSS, no record of Shehu Ahmed Buwayi in our university” – Management
The management of Sa’adu Zungur University (SAZU), Bauchi, has categorically denied recent media reports alleging that the Vice Chancellor, Professor Fatimah Tahir, engaged the Department of State Services (DSS) to intimidate a purported student over an article deemed critical of her leadership.
The claim, first published by Sahara Reporters on 30th July 2025, and reportedly backed by the Centre for Information Technology and Development (CITAD), alleged that Mr. Shehu Ahmed Buwayi was being “hunted” by state security at the VC’s request.
But in a formal response released on Wednesday, the university dismissed the report as “false, misleading, and an orchestrated campaign of sabotage.”
❌ No Such Student Exists at SAZU
According to a statement signed by the institution’s Public Relations Officer, Auwal Hassan, Mr. Shehu Ahmed Buwayi is not — and has never been — a student of the university.
“This is a verifiable fact. Mr. Buwayi has no academic or formal ties with Sa’adu Zungur University. Any attempt to portray him as a student is not only inaccurate but deliberately deceptive,” the statement read.
The university emphasized that any reference to student victimization in the original report is therefore baseless and dishonest.
🛑 VC Never Engaged DSS or Any Security Agency
SAZU further clarified that its Vice Chancellor, Prof. Fatimah Tahir, a seasoned academic and proponent of democratic ideals, never instructed or collaborated with the DSS or any security outfit to pursue or harass Mr. Buwayi or any individual.
“Professor Tahir is an advocate of academic freedom and open dialogue. She has never, and will never, stifle free speech or critical thinking within the university,” the statement emphasized.
However, the university also issued a word of caution: freedom of expression does not extend to defamation.
Quoting Section 373 of the Nigerian Criminal Code, the management reminded the public that making false statements that damage a person’s reputation could amount to criminal defamation, punishable under the law.
📌 University Demands Immediate Retraction
In response to the publication and what it described as “intentional misinformation,” the university made the following demands:
- Immediate public retraction of the false claims by Mr. Shehu Ahmed Buwayi.
- Fact-checking and due diligence by CITAD before endorsing such sensitive allegations.
- A clear disassociation of SAZU from Mr. Buwayi, who lacks the status or authority to speak on behalf of the university.
- A call on all individuals or groups behind the publication to desist from further falsehoods and smear campaigns.
🏫 SAZU Remains Committed to Excellence
The statement concluded with a firm reaffirmation of SAZU’s mission to build a world-class institution under the dynamic leadership of Prof. Fatimah Tahir.
“We remain focused on delivering academic excellence, fostering intellectual freedom, and protecting the integrity of our institution. We will not be distracted by mischief or misinformation.”
✅ Key Takeaway:
There is no record of Shehu Ahmed Buwayi as a student of SAZU. The VC never invited the DSS. The story is false.
End