Dr. Musa Abdullahi Sufi

Thursday 9th, July 2026

By Editor 

Musa Abdullahi Sufi has questioned what he described as the disproportionate media attention on Maryam Abacha American University of Nigeria (MAAUN), Kano, following the recent sexual harassment allegations involving a visiting lecturer associated with the institution.

In a commentary titled "Is There a Coordinated Attempt to Tarnish MAAUN Nigeria's Reputation?", Sufi argued that while the allegations deserve thorough investigation, public discourse should remain guided by fairness, evidence and due process.

According to Sufi, the lecturer at the centre of the controversy is reportedly a visiting academic with affiliations to other universities and not a permanent staff member of MAAUN. He also noted reports suggesting that aspects of the alleged incident involving the student and her family occurred outside the university's campus.

He questioned why media reports had largely placed MAAUN at the centre of the controversy despite the lecturer's reported affiliations elsewhere, asking whether the university had been given the opportunity to activate its internal investigation and disciplinary procedures before the matter gained widespread public attention.

Sufi further highlighted MAAUN's publicly declared zero-tolerance stance on sexual harassment, describing the institution as one of the few private universities in Nigeria to institutionalise a comprehensive anti-harassment policy.

He referenced the university's standing pledge, announced by its Founder and President, Professor Adamu Abubakar Gwarzo, that any student who presents credible evidence exposing sexual harassment involving any lecturer, staff member or even the founder himself would receive a ₦5 million reward.

According to Sufi, the policy reflects the institution's commitment to encouraging victims to report misconduct without fear while promoting accountability at every level.

While maintaining that anyone found guilty of sexual harassment should face the full weight of the law, Sufi stressed that justice should be based on verified evidence and due process rather than assumptions or sensational headlines.

He also urged the public to avoid condemning institutions or individuals before investigations are concluded, noting that accountability must be balanced with fairness.