Nigeria has been thrown into mourning following the passing of one of its most revered Islamic scholars, Sheikh Dahiru Usman Bauchi, who died in the early hours of Thursday. He was 97 years old.
His death marks the end of a monumental chapter in the country’s religious and spiritual history, as millions across Nigeria and beyond pay tribute to a scholar whose influence shaped generations.
A GIANT OF ISLAMIC SCHOLARSHIP
Born in 1927 in Bauchi State, Sheikh Dahiru Usman Bauchi rose to prominence as one of Africa’s most respected Islamic clerics and a foremost leader of the Tijaniyya Sufi Order. He completed the memorisation of the Qur’an at an early age and later travelled across West Africa, studying under renowned scholars who helped sharpen his mastery of Qur’anic exegesis, Hadith, Fiqh, and spiritual purification.
His teachings, delivered with clarity and humility, turned him into a household name and a reference point for Islamic knowledge across the world.
A VOICE OF PEACE AND UNITY
Sheikh Dahiru Bauchi was widely respected for preaching peace, tolerance, and harmony among Muslims and Nigerians of all backgrounds. His Ramadan Tafsir sessions were some of the largest in Nigeria, drawing tens of thousands physically and millions more through TV, radio, and online platforms.
He was also regarded as one of the strongest moderating voices against extremism, advocating consistently for stability, dialogue, and national cohesion.
HIS GLOBAL INFLUENCE
As a leading figure of the Tijaniyya Order, Sheikh Dahiru Bauchi commanded followership across Africa, the Middle East, Europe, and the United States. Many Islamic scholars in Nigeria today trace their spiritual lineage, inspiration, or education directly to him.
A LIFE OF SERVICE AND COMPASSION
Beyond scholarship, he founded numerous Islamic schools, learning centres, and charitable mechanisms that supported widows, orphans, students and the vulnerable. His humanitarian outreach earned him respect far beyond religious circles.
A NATIONAL LOSS
Nigeria has lost not only a scholar but a spiritual father, a counsellor, and a voice of sanity in turbulent times. Tributes from political leaders, traditional rulers, religious institutions and citizens are pouring in, all acknowledging the vacuum his departure leaves.
Funeral arrangements will be communicated by the family.
Sheikh Dahiru Usman Bauchi leaves behind a legacy of knowledge, peace, humility, and service that will continue to shape generations long after his passing.
