The Maryam Abacha American University of Nigeria (MAAUN) has distanced itself from Dr Nasa’i Gwadabe, a lecturer facing allegations of sexual harassment, saying he is no longer affiliated with the institution.
In a statement issued on Thursday by the university’s Registrar, Habibu Awaisu, MAAUN said Dr Gwadabe’s one-year appointment as a visiting lecturer expired 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.
The university explained that visiting lecturers are engaged on one-year contracts, adding that renewals are based on performance, institutional needs and management approval.
According to the institution, Dr Gwadabe’s contract expired alongside those of several other visiting lecturers whose appointments were not renewed.
MAAUN also reaffirmed its zero-tolerance policy on sexual harassment, abuse and exploitation, disclosing that its founder had introduced a ₦5 million reward for any female student who reports and provides credible evidence of sexual harassment or sexual assault involving a lecturer or member of staff through the appropriate channels.
“The university maintains a zero-tolerance policy on sexual harassment, abuse and exploitation. To further strengthen this commitment, the Founder has instituted a reward of ₦5 million 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 statement added.
The university also dismissed claims circulating on social media that a student had been delayed for two years or that a postgraduate student was among the alleged victims.
It described the claims as inaccurate, noting that it had only recently graduated its first set of students and had not commenced postgraduate programmes.
“It is important to state that Dr. Gwadabe’s affiliation with the university ended in May 2026. We therefore urge the media and the public to avoid referring to him as a member of our academic staff,” the university said.
Allegations against lecturer
The university’s clarification followed widespread reports alleging that Dr Gwadabe sexually harassed a married student and obstructed her academic progress after she allegedly rejected his advances.
According to accounts shared by the student’s family, the lecturer allegedly wrote “I just like you” on the student’s project documents and repeatedly insisted on meeting her outside the university.
The woman’s husband alleged that after his wife rejected the advances, he took over her WhatsApp account and continued communicating with the lecturer, eventually arranging a meeting.
The meeting reportedly took place near Bayero University, Kano, where the husband allegedly hid inside the vehicle while his wife drove. A recorded telephone conversation, which has circulated on social media, purportedly captured the lecturer directing the woman to a location near the ASUU Secretariat.
The family alleged that when the lecturer approached the vehicle and discovered the husband inside, he attempted to flee but was restrained. Videos that later surfaced online showed a man identified as Dr Gwadabe being assaulted by a crowd.
The student’s family also claimed she had since received threatening phone calls and reported the matter to the police.
Kano Times could not independently verify the allegations or the authenticity of the videos and audio recordings circulating online.
Dr Gwadabe has not publicly responded to the allegations. Likewise, the police have yet to issue an official statement on the matter.
