Bauchi Varsity Debunks Memo On ‘Forced Marriage’ Directive

The management of Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University (ATBU), Bauchi, has debunked a memo on forced marriage currently circulating on social media, purportedly issued by the institution, describing it as fake and malicious.

In a statement signed by the university’s director of information, Zailani Bappa and made available to LEADERSHIP on Friday, the management described the circular as fraudulent, poorly drafted and falsely attributed to a non-existent staff member identified as Prof (Dr) Aisha Rahman.

According to the statement, the individual also falsely claimed to occupy the non-existent position of “Director, Academics” at the university.

He said the fake memo reportedly warned students against standing in public with members of the opposite sex during the Ramadan fasting period.

It further claimed that any couple found together in public would be forced into marriage and required to bear the responsibility of arranging their marriage reception.

Bappa described the content as “ridiculous and unfounded,” noting that despite its obvious falsehood, the memo has caused significant embarrassment to the university.

He emphasised that neither the memo, the purported signatory, nor the contents originated from ATBU.

The university therefore urged students, staff and the general public to disregard the circular and to always verify information before sharing or acting on materials circulated via social media.

ATBU reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining its integrity and warned against attempts to mislead the public through fabricated information.