In the early hours of Thursday, 27 November 2025, Nigeria lost one of its most revered Islamic scholars, Sheikh Dahiru Usman Bauchi. Family and community sources confirmed that he died at the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Teaching Hospital (ATBUTH) in Bauchi after a brief illness.
The late Sheikh was widely respected as a spiritual guide, Qur’anic teacher and leader of the Tijjaniyya Sufi Order in Nigeria. Through decades of dedicated service in teaching, Qur’anic exegesis (tafsīr), spiritual counselling and community development, his influence reached far across northern Nigeria and beyond.
Local and national leaders have mourned his passing. The Bauchi State Government described his death as a monumental loss — hailing him as “a towering figure in Islamic scholarship” whose life was defined by faith, humility and service to humanity.
Funeral prayers are expected to be held according to Islamic rites; many followers, students and community members have begun paying tributes, reflecting on a lifetime devoted to spreading knowledge, piety, unity, and moral guidance.
📜 Short Biography: Who Was Sheikh Dahiru Usman Bauchi
Full Name & Birth
Sheikh Dahiru Usman Bauchi was born on 29 June 1927 (2 Muharram 1346 A.H.) in Nafada (now in Gombe State, then part of Bauchi region).
Family & Early Training
He was born into a family devoted to Islamic scholarship. His father, Alhaji Usman, was a respected scholar and leader within the Tijjaniyya order, and under his guidance Sheikh Dahiru memorised the Qur’an (became a “Hafizul Qur’an”) before the age of 20.
Religious Education and Leadership
Beyond his father’s teaching, he travelled widely to study under renowned scholars across West Africa. Over time, he rose within the Sufi-Tijjaniyya ranks to become the supreme leader of the Tijjaniyya Order in Nigeria — a position that made him one of the most influential Sufi leaders in the country.
Scholarly Work — Qur’an Teaching and Tafsīr
- Sheikh Dahiru began public Qur’anic exegesis (tafsīr) in Bauchi in 1948 and continued teaching for over seven decades.
- His tafsīr programmes gained wide popularity: they started airing on Bauchi Radio Corporation in 1976 and later on Radio Nigeria (Kaduna) in 1980. Throughout his lifetime, many radio stations across northern Nigeria broadcast his lessons — especially during the holy month of Ramadan.
Community Impact and Charitable Works
Sheikh Dahiru was as much a social reformer as he was a cleric. Over the years:
- He reportedly established hundreds of Qur’anic schools, learning centres, farmlands, and even built or provided housing units for students and followers across Bauchi, Kaduna, and other northern states.
- Under his guidance, many of his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren became Hafizul Qur’an as well — continuing his legacy of Qur’anic memorisation and scholarship.
Role in Islamic Governance
He served as Deputy Chairman of the Fatwa Committee of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), giving him a platform to influence religious rulings and Islamic affairs across Nigeria.
Ethos, Teachings and Legacy
Throughout his life, Sheikh Dahiru emphasised moral discipline, piety, tolerance, peace, and social unity. He spoke strongly against corruption, social ills and immorality and worked to foster harmony within Muslim communities and between people of different faiths.
In recognition of his lifelong contributions to Islamic scholarship and community service, he was honoured with national honours including the Order of the Federal Republic (OFR).
Family
He leaves behind a large family: dozens of children, many grandchildren and great-grandchildren — some of whom have also dedicated themselves to Qur’anic memorisation and Islamic teaching.