President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the renaming of the Federal University of Medical Sciences, Azare, in honour of the late Islamic scholar, Sheikh Dahiru Usman Bauchi, as a move to preserve and immortalise his legacy.
The President announced the decision on Saturday during a condolence visit to the family of the late cleric in Bauchi State, describing his passing as a “great national loss.”
Tinubu arrived in Bauchi on Saturday to sympathise with the state government and the family of Sheikh Dahiru Usman Bauchi, the respected spiritual leader of the Tijjaniyya Brotherhood in Nigeria, who died on November 27 at the age of 98.
The President touched down at the Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa International Airport at about 4:10 p.m., where he was received with a Guard of Honour by the Nigerian Air Force.
He was accompanied by 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.
Tinubu was welcomed at the airport by Bauchi State Governor, Senator Bala Mohammed; Plateau State Governor, Caleb Mutfwang; the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate; the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar; and Senator Shehu Buba of Bauchi South.
After the condolence visit, the President is expected to proceed to Lagos to spend the end-of-year holidays.
Speaking at the late Sheikh Dahiru’s mosque, Tinubu said the decision to rename the university was in recognition of the cleric’s lifelong contributions to education, religious scholarship, humility and service to humanity.
He prayed for Allah’s mercy upon the late scholar, asking that he be granted Jannatul Firdaus, and also sought strength for the family, the Bauchi State Government and the people of the state to bear the loss.
The President further urged Nigerians to continue praying for peace and unity, stressing the importance of collective resilience during challenging times.
Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed, expressed appreciation to President Tinubu for honouring the late cleric and Bauchi State through the renaming of the institution.
Speaking on behalf of the family, the eldest son of the late scholar, Sheikh Ibrahim Dahiru Usman Bauchi, thanked the President for the visit, prayers and the decision to immortalise their father through the university. He also appreciated Governor Mohammed for his continued support to the family.
Sheikh Dahiru Bauchi died at the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Teaching Hospital, Bauchi, and was buried on Friday, November 28, in accordance with Islamic rites.
Born in 1927 in Gombe State, Sheikh Dahiru Bauchi dedicated his life to advancing Islamic education, promoting peaceful coexistence and fostering unity across Nigeria.
His teachings, centred on moral discipline, tolerance and adherence to Islamic principles, earned him widespread respect and a large following within and beyond the country.
He also played a key role in community development, mentoring young scholars and strengthening religious understanding nationwide.
