President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the renaming of the Federal University of Medical Science (FUMS), Azare, after the late renowned Islamic scholar, Sheikh Dahiru Usman Bauchi, as part of efforts to preserve and immortalise his legacy.

The President made this known on Saturday during a condolence visit to the family of the late cleric in Bauchi State, describing his death as a “great national loss.”

DAILY POST reports that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu arrived in Bauchi on Saturday to condole with the state government and the family of the late renowned Islamic scholar, Sheikh Dahiru Usman Bauchi.

Sheikh Dahiru, the spiritual leader of the Tijjaniyya Brotherhood in Nigeria, died on November 27 at the age of 98.

The President arrived at the Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa International Airport at about 4:10 p.m., where he was received with a Guard of Honour by the Nigerian Air Force.

Tinubu was accompanied by the Governor of Yobe State, Mai Mala Buni; the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas; his son, Seyi Tinubu; and other top government officials.

He was received at the airport by the Bauchi State Governor, Senator Bala Mohammed; Plateau State Governor, Caleb Mutfwang; the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate; the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar; and Senator Shehu Buba (APC, Bauchi South).

The President is expected to proceed to Lagos after the condolence visit to spend the end-of-year holidays.

Speaking at the late Sheikh Dahiru mosque, Tinubu said the decision to rename the university after the Sheikh Dahiru Bauchi was in recognition of the cleric’s lifelong contributions to education, religious scholarship, humility, and service to humanity.

He prayed for Allah’s mercy upon the soul of the late scholar asking that he be granted Jannatul Firdaus, while also seeking strength for the family, the Bauchi State Government, and the people of the state to bear the loss.

The President urged Nigerians to continue praying for peace and unity in the country, stressing the importance of collective resilience during challenging times.

Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed, who received the presidential delegation, appreciated President Tinubu for honouring the late cleric and Bauchi State through the retention and renaming of the institution.

Responding on behalf of the family, the eldest son of the late cleric, Sheikh Ibrahim Dahiru Usman Bauchi, expressed gratitude to President Tinubu for the visit, prayers, and the decision to immortalise their father through the university.

He also thanked Governor Mohammed for his continued support to the family.

Recall Sheikh Dahiru Bauchi died at the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Teaching Hospital (ATBUTH), Bauchi, and was buried on Friday, November 28, in accordance with Islamic rites.

Born in 1927 in Gombe State, Sheikh Dahiru Bauchi devoted his life to the advancement of Islamic education, promotion of peaceful coexistence and fostering of unity across the country.

His teachings, which emphasised moral discipline, tolerance and adherence to Islamic principles, earned him a large following and deep respect within and beyond Nigeria.

He also played a significant role in community development, mentorship of young scholars and the strengthening of religious understanding.