President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved renaming the Federal University of Sciences, Azare, in honour of the late Islamic scholar Sheikh Dahiru Usman Bauchi, recognising his significant contributions to religion, education, and leadership.
The announcement was made on Saturday during a condolence visit to Bauchi State, where President Tinubu paid tribute to the late cleric, offered prayers for his soul, and extended sympathies to his family.
The president arrived at Abubakar Tafawa Balewa International Airport, Bauchi, where he was welcomed by Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed, Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang, federal ministers, and other senior officials.
Key attendees included Minister of Foreign Affairs Yusuf Tuggar, Minister of Health Ali Pate, Shehu Buba, and other dignitaries. The presidential entourage also featured Speaker of the House of Representatives Tajuddeen Abbas, Yobe State Governor Mai Mala Buni, and other prominent figures.
Governor Mohammed expressed gratitude to President Tinubu for both the condolence visit and the decision to rename the university, describing the gesture as a major honour for Bauchi State and Nigeria at large.
Sheikh Dahiru Usman Bauchi passed away in late November, with the governor noting that his death marked a profound national loss. He praised the cleric’s lifelong dedication to peace, tolerance, and interfaith harmony.
According to a statement by Governor Mohammed’s Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mukhtar Gidado, the Bauchi leader conveyed condolences to Sheikh Usman’s family, students, followers, and the wider Muslim community.
“Sheikh Dahiru Usman Bauchi was a towering figure in Islamic scholarship, exemplifying deep faith, humility, and wisdom throughout his life,” the governor said.
The esteemed scholar was the leader of the Tijjaniyya order and hailed from a family with roots in Bauchi and Gombe. He held a Tijjaniyya ijāzah recognised across West Africa.
