President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the renaming of the Federal University of Medical Sciences (FUMS), Azare, in Bauchi State after the late renowned Islamic scholar, Sheikh Dahiru Usman Bauchi. The decision, according to the President, is aimed at preserving and immortalising the legacy of the respected cleric, whose life was dedicated to education, religious scholarship, and service to humanity.
President Tinubu made the announcement on Saturday during a condolence visit to the family of the late Sheikh Dahiru Bauchi and the Bauchi State Government. He described the death of the Islamic scholar as a “great national loss,” noting that his influence went beyond religion and touched many lives across Nigeria.
The President arrived in Bauchi on Saturday afternoon at about 4:10 p.m. at the Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa International Airport. He was received with a Guard of Honour by the Nigerian Air Force, marking the importance of the visit.
Tinubu was accompanied by several top government officials, including the Governor of Yobe State, Mai Mala Buni; the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas; his son, Seyi Tinubu; and other senior government officials.
At the airport, the President was received by the Bauchi State Governor, Senator Bala Mohammed; the Governor of Plateau State, Caleb Mutfwang; the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Professor Muhammad Ali Pate; the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar; and Senator Shehu Buba, who represents Bauchi South Senatorial District.
After his arrival, President Tinubu proceeded to the mosque established by the late Sheikh Dahiru Bauchi, where he met with family members, religious leaders, and government officials.
Speaking at the mosque, the President explained that the decision to rename the Federal University of Medical Sciences, Azare, was in recognition of the late cleric’s lifelong contributions to education, religious knowledge, humility, and peaceful service to society.
“Sheikh Dahiru Bauchi dedicated his life to the teaching of Islam, moral discipline, and the promotion of unity. Renaming this university after him is a way of honouring his values and preserving his legacy for future generations,” Tinubu said.
The President prayed for Allah to grant the late scholar eternal rest and Jannatul Firdaus. He also prayed for strength and comfort for the family, the Bauchi State Government, and the people of the state to bear the great loss.
President Tinubu further urged Nigerians to continue praying for peace, unity, and stability in the country, stressing that collective effort and resilience are needed during challenging times.
Sheikh Dahiru Usman Bauchi, who was the spiritual leader of the Tijjaniyya Brotherhood in Nigeria, died on November 27 at the age of 98. His death drew widespread reactions from religious leaders, political figures, and followers across the country and beyond.
The late cleric was buried on Friday, November 28, in Bauchi in accordance with Islamic rites, after funeral prayers attended by thousands of followers and admirers.
Born in 1927 in Gombe State, Sheikh Dahiru Bauchi devoted nearly a century of his life to Islamic education and scholarship. He was widely respected for his teachings, which focused on moral discipline, tolerance, humility, and strict adherence to Islamic principles.
Over the decades, Sheikh Dahiru built a large following across Nigeria and in other parts of West Africa. His influence extended beyond religious circles, as he consistently preached peaceful coexistence among people of different faiths and ethnic backgrounds.
He also played a key role in mentoring young Islamic scholars and supporting community development efforts. Many of his students went on to become respected religious leaders and teachers in various parts of the country.
The Federal University of Medical Sciences, Azare, is one of Nigeria’s newer specialised universities, established to train medical and health professionals and improve healthcare delivery in the country. The institution was created to address the shortage of skilled medical personnel, particularly in northern Nigeria.
By renaming the university after Sheikh Dahiru Bauchi, the Federal Government aims to link the institution’s mission of service and learning with the values of discipline, humility, and dedication associated with the late cleric.
Bauchi State Governor, Senator Bala Mohammed, thanked President Tinubu for honouring both the late scholar and the state through the renaming of the university.
“This gesture shows respect for our cultural and religious heritage. We appreciate Mr President for recognising the contributions of Sheikh Dahiru Bauchi to education and national unity,” the governor said.
Governor Mohammed also described the renaming of the university as a source of pride for the people of Bauchi State and a lasting tribute to a man who served humanity selflessly.
Speaking on behalf of the family, the eldest son of the late cleric, Sheikh Ibrahim Dahiru Usman Bauchi, expressed gratitude to President Tinubu for the condolence visit, prayers, and the decision to immortalise their father through the university.
He also thanked the Bauchi State Government, especially Governor Bala Mohammed, for the support shown to the family since the death of the respected cleric.
“We are deeply grateful to Mr President for this honour. It means a lot to our family and to the followers of our late father,” Sheikh Ibrahim said.
After the condolence visit, President Tinubu was expected to return to Lagos to spend the end-of-year holidays.
The renaming of the Federal University of Medical Sciences, Azare, has been widely welcomed by religious leaders and residents of Bauchi State, who see it as a fitting tribute to a man whose life was devoted to knowledge, peace, and service.
