Renowned Islamic scholar, late Sheikh Usman Dahiru Bauchi
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the renaming of the Federal University of Sciences, Azare, in honour of the late Islamic scholar, Sheikh Dahiru Usman Bauchi, a move widely seen as a tribute to a lifetime devoted to faith, learning and moral leadership.
The President announced the decision on Saturday during a condolence visit to Bauchi State, where he paid his respects to the revered cleric, offered prayers for the repose of his soul and commiserated with his family and followers.
President Tinubu arrived at the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa International Airport, Bauchi, to a warm reception led by the state governor, Bala Mohammed. He was joined by Plateau State Governor, Caleb Mutfwang, members of the Federal Executive Council and other top government officials.
Also present were the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar, the Minister of Health, Ali Pate, Senator Shehu Buba and several other dignitaries. The presidential entourage included the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajuddeen Abbas, Yobe State Governor, Mai Mala Buni, and other prominent political figures.
Governor Mohammed thanked the President for the condolence visit and described the decision to immortalise Sheikh Dahiru through the university’s new name as deeply meaningful.
He said the gesture was “a great honour to Bauchi State and Nigeria as a whole,” noting that the cleric’s death in late November was a profound loss not just to the Muslim community, but to the nation.
The governor also highlighted the Sheikh’s enduring legacy of peace, tolerance and interfaith harmony, values he said defined the scholar’s long and impactful life.
In a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mukhtar Gidado, Governor Mohammed extended condolences to the Sheikh’s family, disciples, students and followers across the country and beyond.
“Sheikh Dahiru Usman Bauchi was a towering figure in Islamic scholarship. He embodied deep faith, humility, and wisdom throughout his remarkable life,” the governor said.
The late cleric was the spiritual leader of the Tijjaniyya order and hailed from a family with strong roots in Bauchi and Gombe states. His Tijjaniyya ijāzah was widely recognised across West Africa, underscoring his influence as a scholar and spiritual guide whose legacy continues to resonate far beyond Nigeria.
