PhD student calls out ICPC, SSS over alleged academic sabotage

A PhD student in the Department of Animal Production at Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University (ATBU) in Bauchi has written to the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) and the State Security Service (SSS). He claims he is facing academic sabotage, abuse of power, and denial of a fair hearing from his department.

Ebule Kenneth told PREMIUM TIMES that his research led to creating a special milking machine for Nigerian indigenous cows. He accused the chairman of his supervisory committee of blocking his progress by delaying his project and graduation.

Mr Kenneth explained that the university assigned three supervisors to oversee his research: Professors Demo Kalla, Hassan Mai, and M.M. Abubakar.

"In August 2023, I showed my research data to Professor Kalla, who is the chairman of my supervisory committee. He refused to accept it without any reason," Mr Kenneth said. "But the other two supervisors supported me and continued to work with me, which eventually led to the successful invention of the milking machine in 2024."

Feeling unhappy with Professor Kalla's behaviour, Mr Kenneth officially requested a change of the head of his supervisory committee. "Despite clear proof of victimization, the Head of Department has not approved my request."

"I have finished the project and developed the working milking machine. It is ready for presentation, so I should be cleared for graduation," Mr Kenneth stated. "Yet, the university keeps sending my case back to the same person who stepped back from the project."

He mentioned that the university set up an internal investigative committee in July 2025 to look into his complaints. However, he found it strange that they included Professor Kalla as a member of the panel. Mr Kenneth said he filed separate petitions to the ICPC on December 31, 2025, and the SSS, accusing Professor Kalla of abusing his position.

"The committee asked me to withdraw the ICPC petition, promising they would resolve the issue internally. I agreed and withdrew it in January. Unfortunately, they just sent the matter back to Professor Kalla, who keeps harassing and demoralizing me. Because of this broken trust, I have officially asked the ICPC to reopen the case."

Professor Kalla did not want to speak on the issue and told the reporter to contact the university’s management. The spokesperson for the university, Zailani Baffa, said the school could not comment on an investigation by the ICPC.

When PREMIUM TIMES reached out to one of the supervisors, Hassan Mai, he confirmed he has retired. "As a veterinary doctor, I was involved in the program; I reviewed his thesis and gave my feedback."

"As a PhD supervisor, I closely followed the data collection process, which was key to creating the milking machine. We even tested the machine, and it worked incredibly well," he said.

However, he did not want to explain why Professor Kalla has not cleared Mr Kenneth yet. "It is very unfortunate that he is still in school," he said, although he added he did not have much to say on the situation since he is now retired.