The management of Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University (ATBU), Bauchi, has debunked a fake and “maliciously crafted” memo currently circulating on social media, describing it as the handiwork of mischief-makers bent on tarnishing the institution’s image.
In a statement issued Friday by the Directorate of Information and Public Relations, Office of the Vice Chancellor, the university said the attention of management was drawn to a poorly drafted circular purportedly emanating from ATBU.
The fake memo, allegedly signed by one “Professor Dr Aisha Rahman” — described as occupying the non-existent office of “Director, Academics” — warned students against standing in public with members of the opposite sex during the Ramadan period.
It further claimed that any couple found standing together in public places would be compelled to marry and bear the full cost of their wedding reception — a directive the university described as “absurd and ridiculous.”
ATBU management clarified that no such officer exists in the university and that the memo neither originated from the institution nor reflects its policies.
“The memo, the purported signatory, and its contents are entirely false and should be disregarded,” the statement stressed, noting that the misinformation has caused significant embarrassment to the university community.
The institution urged students, staff, alumni and the general public to verify information before sharing or acting on social media posts, no matter how convincing they may appear.
Reaffirming its commitment to academic excellence, discipline and responsible communication, ATBU assured stakeholders that official information will always be disseminated through recognized and verifiable channels.
The statement was signed by Zaiilani Bappa, Director of Information and Public Relations, on February 27, 2026.
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