President Bola Tinubu has given approval for the Federal University of Sciences, Azare, to be renamed after the respected Islamic scholar, Sheikh Dahiru Usman Bauchi, as a tribute to his far-reaching influence in religion, education, and moral leadership across Nigeria and beyond.
The president made this announcement on Saturday during a condolence visit to Bauchi State, where he paid homage to the late cleric, offered prayers for the repose of his soul, and sympathised with his family, followers, and associates.
Tinubu arrived at the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa International Airport in Bauchi and was warmly received by Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed, Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang, members of the Federal Executive Council, and other senior officials of government.
Also present to receive the president were the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar, the Minister of Health, Ali Pate, Senator Shehu Buba, and several other dignitaries. The presidential delegation included the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajuddeen Abbas, Yobe State Governor Mai Mala Buni, and other prominent political figures.
Governor Bala Mohammed expressed deep appreciation to President Tinubu for personally visiting the state to commiserate with the people and for approving the renaming of the university in memory of the late Islamic scholar.
He described the decision as a significant honour, not only for Bauchi State but for the entire country, noting that it reflected national recognition of Sheikh Dahiru Usman Bauchi’s enduring legacy.
Sheikh Usman passed away in late November, a development Governor Mohammed described as a major loss to Nigeria. He highlighted the cleric’s lifelong devotion to peaceful coexistence, tolerance, and the promotion of interfaith understanding, stressing that his teachings helped shape generations of scholars and followers.
In a statement issued by the governor’s Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mukhtar Gidado, the Bauchi State Government conveyed condolences to the Sheikh’s immediate family, his students, disciples, and the broader Muslim community. “Sheikh Dahiru Usman Bauchi was a towering figure in Islamic scholarship. He embodied deep faith, humility, and wisdom throughout his remarkable life,” the statement quoted the governor as saying.
The late cleric was the spiritual leader of the Tijjaniyya order and hailed from a lineage deeply connected to both Bauchi and Gombe States.
He held a Tijjaniyya ijāzah that was widely recognised across West Africa, cementing his status as one of the most influential Islamic figures of his generation.
What you should know
Sheikh Dahiru Usman Bauchi was one of Nigeria’s most prominent Islamic scholars and the leader of the Tijjaniyya Sufi order, with influence stretching across West Africa.
Known for preaching peace, tolerance, and spiritual discipline, he played a major role in Islamic education and interfaith harmony.
President Tinubu’s decision to rename the Federal University of Sciences, Azare, after him is aimed at preserving his legacy and formally recognising his contributions to faith, learning, and national unity.
