CSO urges independent probe into alleged sexual harassment at MAAUN as varsity disowns lecturer

A civil society organization, (CSO) Centre for Awareness on Justice and Accountability (CAJA) has called on the management of Maryam Abacha American University (MAAUN), Kano, to constitute an independent committee to investigate allegations of sexual harassment involving a lecturer and a female student who is reportedly his project supervisee.

The call was made in a statement signed on Thursday by the organisation’s Advocacy and Communication Officer, Adam Auwal Dakata, who stressed the need for a transparent, impartial, and credible investigation capable of establishing the facts while protecting the rights of all parties involved.

SolaceBase reports that the statement follows allegations circulating on social media that a lecturer at Maryam Abacha American University (MAAUN), Kano, allegedly attempted to sexually harass a female student who was also reported to be his project supervisee.

The allegations have attracted public attention and prompted calls from civil society groups for an independent and transparent investigation by the university.

CAJA described sexual harassment in tertiary institutions as a serious violation that undermines the dignity, safety and academic freedom of students, noting that such incidents weaken confidence in educational institutions and create an atmosphere of fear and intimidation.

“Sexual harassment in tertiary institutions undermines the dignity, safety, and academic freedom of students. It erodes trust in educational institutions and creates an environment of fear and intimidation that is incompatible with learning and personal development,” the statement said.

The organisation, however, emphasised that allegations of such nature must be investigated through a fair and impartial process that respects the rights of everyone involved.

It urged the university management to immediately establish an independent investigative committee comprising representatives of the institution’s management, academic staff, student body, legal practitioners where necessary, gender and safeguarding experts, as well as other individuals of proven integrity.

According to the group, the committee should be mandated to conduct a thorough, transparent and timely investigation and make recommendations that would ensure justice is served in line with the law and the university’s regulations.

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CAJA also called on the university to guarantee the safety of the complainant, witnesses and all other parties involved by protecting them from intimidation, victimisation or retaliation throughout the investigation.

“The integrity of the process and the confidence of the university community depend on these safeguards,” the statement added.

Meanwhile, the university has distanced itself from the lecturer, Dr Nasa’i Gwadabe, amid reports linking him to sexual harassment allegations.

In a statement signed by the university’s Registrar, Dr Habibu Awais Abubakar, on Thursday, the management said Dr Gwadabe’s one-year appointment as a Visiting Lecturer ended in May 2026 and was not renewed.

“The Management of Maryam Abacha American University of Nigeria wishes to clarify recent reports circulating on social media regarding Dr Nasa’i Gwadabe. His one-year appointment ended in May 2026 and was not renewed. He is therefore no longer affiliated with MAAUN,” the statement said.

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According to the statement, the university stated that Visiting Lecturers are engaged on one-year contracts, with renewal subject to satisfactory performance, institutional needs and management approval, adding that Dr Gwadabe’s appointment lapsed alongside those of several other visiting lecturers.

In the statement, MAAUN also reaffirmed its “zero tolerance” policy on sexual harassment, abuse and exploitation, noting that its Founder has instituted a ₦5 million reward for any female student who reports and provides credible evidence of sexual harassment or assault by any lecturer or staff member through the appropriate channels.

The management further dismissed claims circulating online that a student was delayed for two years or that a postgraduate student was among the alleged victims, describing both assertions as inaccurate. It noted that the university only recently graduated its first set of students and is yet to commence postgraduate programmes.

The university urged the public and media organisations to report the matter accurately and refrain from describing Dr. Gwadabe as a current member of its staff, insisting that his affiliation with the institution ended in May 2026.