Bauchi Suspends College Provost, Three Senior Officials Over Misconduct

The Bauchi State Civil Service Commission (CSC) has taken stern disciplinary action, sanctioning four senior officials from the Bill and Melinda Gates College of Health Sciences Technology, Ningi, over allegations of gross misconduct in the discharge of their public duties. This move, announced on Friday, is part of the state government’s intensified efforts to sanitize the civil service and enforce accountability.

The decision was reached during the Commission’s recent plenary session, according to a statement issued by Saleh Umar, the Public Relations Officer of the CSC. The interdicted officers occupy prominent administrative positions within the college located in Ningi Local Government Area. They are: Garba Hussaini, the Director of Education and former Provost; Haruna Umar, the Deputy Director of Administration and Human Resources; Umar Yusuf, the Chief Executive Officer (Account) and Bursar; and Mohammed Usman, the Chief Clerical Officer and Cashier.

The commission’s action was taken to enable a comprehensive and unobstructed investigation into the allegations of misconduct leveled against the officials. The officers were found to have been liable for misconduct that contravenes the Bauchi State Public Service Regulations, specifically rules 0327 (x) and (xxii). Consequently, their interdiction was enacted under rules 0329 (i), (ii), and (iii), a measure designed to physically remove them from their duty posts and facilitate a seamless inquiry.

In accordance with the disciplinary procedures, the suspended officers will receive only 50 per cent of their salaries, effective from October 28, 2025, pending the final conclusion of the full investigations.

In a separate, more positive development announced in the same statement, the CSC approved the promotion of 21 officers across various cadres, recognizing meritorious service within the civil structure. The promotions elevated staff to new ranks, including Deputy Chief Librarian, Assistant Chief Librarian, and Principal Librarian on grade levels 10 through 15, as well as Assistant Chief Executive Officer and Chief Confidential Secretary on grade levels 13 and 14 respectively.

Dr. Ibrahim Muhammad, the Chairman of the Commission, reaffirmed the body’s commitment to due process under his leadership. While emphasizing the non-negotiable standards of integrity, transparency, and fairness, he voiced concern over the careless attitude of some civil servants who demonstrate a distinct lack of knowledge regarding disciplinary procedures and the potentially severe consequences of their infractions. Dr. Muhammad concluded by issuing a strong appeal to all workers to proactively familiarize themselves with the dos and don’ts of the service to ensure strict compliance and avoid unnecessary official misconduct.