By Yusha’u A. Ibrahim, Hassan Ibrahim, Ahmed Mohammed (Bauchi), Dalhatu Liman, Baba Martins (Abuja), Abdullahi A. Chakwa (Gusau), Haruna G. Yaya (Gombe) & Ado A. Musa (Jos)
Renowned Islamic scholar and Tijjaniyyah leader, Sheikh Dahiru Usman Bauchi, has passed away at the age of 98.
Born in 1927, the revered scholar died on Thursday at the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Teaching Hospital, Bauchi, around 1:30am, his secretary, Malam Baba Ahmad, told Daily Trust.
Baba Ahmad said the Sheikh was rushed to the hospital around 9pm on Wednesday.
His son, Ahmad Tijjani Dahiru Bauchi, confirmed that the late Tijjaniyyah leader would be buried today at his residence in Unguwar Jaki, Bauchi metropolis.
He also said that renowned Islamic scholar Sheikh Sharif Ibrahim Saleh would lead the funeral prayers, which are scheduled immediately after the congregational Juma’at prayer.
“We have informed Sheikh Saleh, and he has agreed to come to Bauchi today to lead the funeral prayer as willed by our late father,” Ahmad Tijjani said.
He added, “The funeral prayers will be conducted at Sheikh Dahiru Bauchi Juma’at Mosque, Unguwar Jaki. May Allah forgive his shortcomings and grant him Aljannah Firdaus.”
Malam Baba Ahmad, while narrating the deceased’s final moments, said: “We were with him around 8pm after he had eaten his dinner. We discussed for a while, but after some minutes, his health suddenly deteriorated, so we rushed him to the hospital.
“A few minutes after we arrived, some doctors attended to him, and he was resuscitated. However, shortly after 10pm, his condition worsened again. The doctors returned and made frantic efforts to resuscitate him, but as God willed, the sheikh passed away around 1:30am.
“We have truly lost a father, mentor, and spiritual guide. Alhamdulillah, Sheikh Dahiru Bauchi left behind legacies by which he will always be remembered.
“Since the death of his son, Dr Hadi Dahiru Usman Bauchi, on December 5, 2005, the late Sheikh had always wished that when he died, his remains should be buried beside his son, just a few metres away from the Juma’at mosque. He also wished that the renowned Islamic scholar, Sheikh Sharif Ibrahim Saleh, would lead his funeral prayer.
“Today, we will fulfil all his wishes. I cannot fully describe the passing of Sheikh Dahiru Bauchi. My relationship with him went far beyond that of a secretary and his boss. I worked closely with him and thoroughly enjoyed serving him.
“He was someone everyone loved to work with — humble, humane, generous, and an absolute gentleman. He always sought to help the needy and could spend his last kobo to solve someone’s problem. He never grew tired of assisting anyone who approached him.
“I have truly lost a leader and mentor. May Allah forgive his shortcomings. His death has created a huge vacuum that will be difficult to fill in the near future.”
Also commenting on the loss, his son, Sayyadi Ali Dahiru Usman Bauchi, said: “Sheikh has returned to his Creator. We are all from Allah, and to Him we shall all return. It is time for Sheikh to rest. We thank Almighty Allah for sparing his life up to this time. His life was well spent, Alhamdulillah.
“The death of Sheikh is a great loss not only to his immediate family, but to the people of Bauchi State, Nigeria, and the entire Muslim Ummah. But we thank Allah, for my father contributed immensely to the propagation of Islam, and Alhamdulillah, he has left behind legacies for which he will forever be remembered.”
Sympathisers throng Sheikh Dahiru Bauchi’s residence
Our reporter, who visited the deceased’s residence at Unguwar Jaki quarters, observed a massive influx of sympathisers from far and near trooping in to condole with the family of the renowned scholar.
People from neighbouring states — including Gombe, Jigawa, Plateau, Yobe, Adamawa, Taraba, Kano, Katsina and Kaduna — have converged on the late Sheikh Dahiru Bauchi’s residence ahead of the funeral prayers scheduled for today.
One of the sympathisers at the Juma’at mosque, Ibrahim Musa from Gombe State, said they travelled with the intention of spending the night at the Sheikh’s residence to ensure their participation in the funeral prayer.
“We decided to come to Bauchi on Thursday because we were not sure of the exact time for the funeral prayers. To avoid missing it, we came today (yesterday). We have lost a dedicated spiritual leader. We hope and pray that we will get a committed person who will build on the Sheikh’s legacy.
“Late Sheikh Dahiru’s contributions to the propagation of Islam cannot be quantified. He established hundreds of Tsangaya schools across Northern Nigeria and produced thousands of Qur’anic memorisers,” he said.
Sheikh Dahiru Usman Bauchi, born nearly a century ago, is among the most prominent Islamic scholars Nigeria produced and a leading pillar of the Tijjaniyya order in Africa. He also served as the Deputy Chairman of the Fatwa Committee of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA).
In an interview with Daily Trust published on September 4, 2022, the revered Sheikh shared insights into his background, saying: “I am a Fulani man, as were all my four grandparents — two from my paternal side and two from my maternal side. In my case, all of them were Fulani, so I have no lineage linked to any other ethnic group.
“We are Fulani from the old Bauchi State, before Gombe was created out of it. From my paternal side, I am Fulani from Bauchi State, Konkiyel, a community in Darazo Local Government Area, while from my maternal side, I am Fulani from Nafada in Gombe State. So, I belong to both states. I was born in June 1927, corresponding to 1st Muharram 1346H, on a Wednesday.”
He further revealed: “I had my first marriage in 1948. One of Allah’s blessings upon me is that my children memorise the complete Qur’an at a tender age. Initially, my children completed memorisation at 11; later at 10 and even 9.”
The cleric was the patriarch of a vast family, with 100 children, 406 grandchildren and numerous great-grandchildren. Many among them became hafiz, reflecting his lifelong commitment to embedding Qur’anic education within his household. His home grew into a spiritual hub and a model of multigenerational Islamic scholarship.
Sheikh Dahiru performed Hajj 55 times and undertook Umrah more than 205 times in his lifetime. He also built over 1,000 houses in Bauchi, Kaduna and other northern states to accommodate his children, students and scholars free of charge. In addition, he owned several Islamic schools and farmlands, further supporting his mission of education and service.
Sheikh Dahiru Bauchi often recounted that he received his foundational Islamic education from his father, under whom he memorised the entire Qur’an. His father also introduced him to the Tijjaniyya Sufi order, having himself been initiated by Alhaji Gwani Abba. After completing his memorisation, his father granted him permission to travel widely in pursuit of Islamic knowledge and Qur’anic mastery. Both his father, Alhaji Usman, and grandfather, Alhaji Adamu, were also hafiz. His mother was Hajiya Maryam.
He travelled across several countries in pursuit of a scholarship, earning recognition for his exceptional proficiency in Qur’anic recitation.
Many described him as Gwani — equivalent to a professor — while others referred to him as Gangaran, signifying an emeritus-level authority in Qur’anic memorisation.
Sheikh Dahiru studied under numerous prominent Islamic scholars within and outside Nigeria, and he often described Sheikh Ibrahim Inyass as his greatest teacher. He began his tafseer in Bauchi in 1948 and spent 76 years translating and explaining the Qur’an. In 1976, the Bauchi Radio Corporation began broadcasting his tafseer, followed by Radio Nigeria Kaduna in 1980 when he relocated his preaching to Kaduna. Today, many northern radio stations air his sermons, especially during Ramadan.
A prolific writer, he authored several books on Islamic literature and jurisprudence. His Ramadan tafseer, extensive Qur’anic schools, and contributions to Islamic scholarship made him one of the most influential clerics in Northern Nigeria.
According to the Wakilin Tarihin Bauchi, Alhaji Ado Dan Rimi, Sheikh Dahiru travelled widely across Africa — including Egypt, Ghana, Cameroon and Morocco — in search of knowledge, and once undertook a pilgrimage to Saudi Arabia on foot.
He received numerous awards in tafseer, several honorary doctorate degrees, and the national honour of Officer of the Order of the Federal Republic (OFR).
Sheikh Dahiru Bauchi will be remembered for his lifelong commitment to the propagation of Qur’anic education, notably through the establishment of Qur’anic Tsangaya Schools dedicated to helping children memorise the Holy Qur’an. He founded 618 Tsangaya schools across northern Nigeria and in neighbouring countries, including the Niger Republic, Cameroon, Benin Republic and Ghana.
Through more than 1,500 memorisation centres he established across Africa, over 140,924 students have memorised the Qur’an. Under his foundation, there are no fewer than 13,000 classes operating across the northern region.
The establishment of Tsangaya schools was driven by his desire to address the widespread issue of street begging among Almajiri pupils. In response to growing public concern, Sheikh Dahiru Bauchi pioneered the introduction of boarding Tsangaya schools to curb the movement of Almajiri children across states. The first such school was opened in Kano, followed by another in Katsina. As the impact became evident, parents from various states began enrolling their children in the boarding system.
According to Sayyidi Ali Dahiru Bauchi, Director of Education at the Sheikh Dahiru Usman Bauchi Foundation, the scholar also built Tsangaya schools in the Niger Republic, Ghana, Benin Republic and Cameroon. “Despite our presence in these countries, many parents still send their wards to Nigeria to learn the Qur’an in our schools,” he said.
Sheikh Dahiru Bauchi will also be remembered for his controversial stance on Ramadan moon sighting, where he publicly contradicted the Sultan of Sokoto. On several occasions, he announced the start or end of Ramadan independently, leading him and some followers to observe fasting and Eid prayers separately — a position that stirred debate and division among Tijjaniyya adherents and other Muslims nationwide.
Speaking at the Qur’anic graduation ceremony in Kaura Namoda, Zamfara State, the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar III, said the late Sheikh’s family is recognized globally for producing the largest number of Qur’anic memorizers.
“Sheikh Dahiru Bauchi’s name is listed among world record holders for founding the family with the highest number of Qur’anic memorisers,” the Sultan said.
The Sultan directed a special prayer for the late cleric, led by the Chief Imam of Kaura Namoda, Malam Nasiru Liman Kaura.
The event was attended by prominent dignitaries, including Zamfara State Governor Dauda Lawal, represented by his Deputy Mani Malam Mummuni; the State Chairman of the Council of Chiefs, Alhaji Attahiru Ahmad, represented by the Emir of Gusau, Alhaji Abdulkadir Ibrahim Bello; and Emirs from Kaura Namoda, Maradun, Maru, Zurmi, Tsafe, and Muriki, among others.
Sheikh Dahiru Bauchi was a moral compass to the nation – Tinubu
President Bola Tinubu described the revered Islamic scholar as a moral compass whose life was devoted to teaching, preaching and guiding society.
In a statement issued by Presidential spokesperson, Mr Bayo Onanuga, the President said the late scholar’s passing was a monumental loss to his family, followers and the nation.
He said, “Sheikh Dahiru Bauchi was a teacher, a father and a voice of moderation and reason. As both a preacher and a notable exegete of the Holy Qur’an, he was an advocate of peace and piety. His death has created a huge void.”
The President recalled the blessings and moral support he received from the late Sheikh during the 2023 election and noted that the scholar’s influence extended across the country and beyond.
Tinubu condoled with the Tijjaniyya community and urged followers of the late cleric to honour his memory by upholding his teachings on peaceful coexistence, devotion to God and kindness to humanity.
Vice President Kashim Shettima, in a condolence message, said the Sheikh’s extraordinary longevity was a divine blessing, allowing multiple generations of Nigerian Muslims to benefit from his profound knowledge, wisdom, and spiritual guidance.
Shettima said the late scholar was “one of Nigeria’s greatest Islamic scholars whose teachings and exemplary life touched millions of Muslims across the country and beyond.”
He said, “We have lost a spiritual guide, a teacher, and a moral compass whose dedication to Islamic scholarship spanned more than a century. His life was a demonstration of faith, learning, and service to Allah and humanity.”
The Vice President praised Sheikh Dahiru Bauchi’s lifelong commitment to spreading Islamic knowledge and strengthening the Tijjaniyya Brotherhood in Nigeria and West Africa. “His legacy of scholarship and service will continue to inspire us all,” he added.
VP Shettima prayed that Almighty Allah forgive the Sheikh’s shortcomings, grant him Aljannatul Firdaus, and give strength to his family, the Tijjaniyya Brotherhood, and the entire Muslim Ummah to bear the loss.
Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed described the late Sheikh Dahiru Usman Bauchi as a custodian of religious knowledge and a unifying voice for peace, tolerance, and understanding among Muslims and people of other faiths.
In a condolence message signed by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mukhtar Gidado, the governor said, “Sheikh Dahiru Bauchi was a towering figure in Islamic scholarship, devoted to teaching the Qur’an and nurturing thousands of students through his schools and learning centres across Africa,” the governor said.
He added, “His contributions to theology, jurisprudence, and Islamic history leave an indelible mark. Bauchi State will continue to honour his legacy by supporting the institutions and ideals he stood for. May Allah forgive his shortcomings, grant him Aljannatul Firdaus, and comfort his family and followers. Ameen.”
The Northern States Governors’ Forum (NSGF) described the deceased as a scholar of exceptional depth whose teachings and spiritual guidance touched millions across generations.
The forum’s Chairman and Governor of Gombe State, Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, in a statement, noted that Sheikh Dahiru Bauchi dedicated his century-long life to propagating Islamic knowledge, contributing significantly to the understanding of the Qur’an, Hadith, jurisprudence, and Sufism’s spiritual dimensions.
“His mastery of Islamic texts and remarkable spiritual insight distinguished him as a true guide for Muslims within and beyond Nigeria. His teachings enriched countless lives and will continue to illuminate generations to come,” he said.
He added that the late scholar played a key role in promoting peace, unity, tolerance, and moral discipline, shaping the character of his followers, children, and the wider Muslim Ummah.
The NSGF extended condolences to the family, the Tijjaniyya community, and the entire Muslim Ummah. Governor Yahaya prayed that Almighty Allah grant the eminent scholar eternal rest and reward his lifetime of devotion with Aljannat Firdaus.
Former Vice President of Nigeria, Atiku Abubakar, described the death of Sheikh Dahiru Usman Bauchi as a devastating loss not only to Nigeria’s Muslim community but to the entire African continent.
Atiku said the late Sheikh was “a colossus and an exponent of tolerance.” In a statement issued through his media office in Abuja on Thursday, he noted that Sheikh Dahiru Bauchi’s calming and unifying voice was particularly needed in a country plagued by religious divisions.
“Sheikh Dahiru Bauchi frequently lent his wisdom whenever Nigeria faced challenges of religious discord,” Atiku said, adding that the cleric’s contributions to promoting unity, tolerance, and peaceful coexistence will be remembered for generations.
The former Vice President also praised Sheikh Dahiru Bauchi’s scholarship, describing him as a man whose influence on learning and faith was indelible. “He used the pulpit to foster religious harmony while others spread hate and bigotry,” Atiku said, praying that Almighty Allah forgive his sins and grant him peaceful repose.
Deputy Senate President, Senator Barau Jibrin, in a statement by his media aide, Ismail Mudashir, said the late Tijjaniyya leader’s death was “a huge vacuum that will be difficult to fill,” noting that he devoted his life to the service of Islam and humanity.
“The late Sheikh touched millions of lives across Nigeria and beyond through his preaching, scholarship, and exemplary character. He was a great icon of Islamic scholarship whose light shone on generations of Muslims,” Barau said.
The Deputy Senate President praised Sheikh Dahiru Bauchi’s lifelong commitment to the Qur’an, his establishment of Qur’anic schools, tireless preaching, and humanitarian outreach, which strengthened the faith and morals of countless followers.
Plateau State Governor, Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang, described the cleric’s death as a monumental loss, not only to his family and the Tijjaniyya movement but to Nigeria and the wider world.
The governor praised Sheikh Dahiru Bauchi’s lifelong commitment to Islamic scholarship and moral leadership, noting that from his early Qur’anic education under his father, Alhaji Usman, he rose through discipline, devotion, and scholarship to become an iconic figure in knowledge, spirituality, and ethics.
Governor Mutfwang highlighted the Sheikh’s life of service, compassion, wisdom, tolerance, and kindness — virtues that contribute to building a just, peaceful, and progressive society. He also commended the cleric’s mentorship of countless students, many of whom continue to propagate Islamic knowledge and values across Nigeria.
The Special Adviser to the President of the Senate on Diaspora and Non-Governmental Organisations, Dr Jibril Lawal Tafida, described the late scholar as “a towering figure in Nigeria’s religious and moral landscape.” He said Sheikh Dahiru Bauchi was more than a cleric, calling him “a beacon of peace, moderation, and piety who dedicated his life to teaching, preaching, and guiding millions of followers across Nigeria and beyond.”
Dr Tafida highlighted the cleric’s scholarship, noting his deep knowledge of the Qur’an and unwavering commitment to promoting harmony and spiritual growth, describing him as a moral compass for many.
He added that the Sheikh’s passing leaves a monumental void in the hearts of his family, disciples, and the nation. Dr Tafida urged all to honour Sheikh Dahiru Bauchi’s legacy by embracing his teachings of peaceful coexistence, compassion, and devotion to God.
