Tinubu Renames Federal University of Sciences, Azare After Late Sheikh Dahiru Bauchi

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the renaming of the Federal University of Sciences, Azare, in honour of the late renowned Islamic scholar, Sheikh Dahiru Usman Bauchi, in a move widely regarded as a tribute to a life dedicated to faith, scholarship and moral leadership.

The President announced the decision on Saturday during a condolence visit to Bauchi State, where he paid homage to the revered cleric, offered prayers for the repose of his soul and sympathised with his family, disciples and followers.

President Tinubu arrived at the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa International Airport, Bauchi, to a warm reception led by Governor Bala Mohammed. He was accompanied by Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang, members of the Federal Executive Council and other senior government officials.

Also present were the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar, Minister of Health, Ali Pate, Senator Shehu Buba, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajuddeen Abbas, Yobe State Governor, Mai Mala Buni, and several other dignitaries.

Governor Mohammed expressed deep appreciation to the President for the condolence visit and described the decision to immortalise Sheikh Dahiru through the university’s new name as highly symbolic and deeply meaningful.

According to him, the gesture is “a great honour to Bauchi State and Nigeria as a whole,” noting that the cleric’s passing in late November represented a significant loss not only to the Muslim community but to the nation at large.

The governor further highlighted Sheikh Dahiru’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 late cleric’s family, students, disciples and followers across Nigeria 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 statement read.

Sheikh Dahiru Bauchi was the spiritual leader of the Tijjaniyya order and hailed from a prominent family with strong roots in Bauchi and Gombe states. His Tijjaniyya ij?zah was widely recognised across West Africa, cementing his reputation as a highly influential scholar and spiritual guide whose legacy continues to resonate far beyond Nigeria.