Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed, has declared Friday, November 28, 2025, a work-free day across the state in honour of the late globally respected Islamic scholar, Sheikh Dahiru Usman Bauchi.
The announcement comes as the state and the wider Muslim community continue to mourn the passing of the revered cleric, who died in the early hours of Thursday at the age of 98. Governor Mohammed had earlier confirmed the scholar’s death and described it as a monumental loss to Nigeria, the Muslim world, and humanity.
Final Moments of the Scholar
Findings by our correspondent reveal that Sheikh Dahiru Bauchi passed away on Wednesday night at the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Teaching Hospital (ATBUTH), Bauchi, after a brief illness. His remains have since been moved to his family residence along Gombe Road, where funeral preparations are underway.
Large crowds of students, admirers, traditional leaders, and members of the Muslim community have already begun trooping to the residence to pay homage.
Purpose of the Work-Free Day
According to the official government statement, the work-free day was declared to allow public servants, students, followers, and the general public to participate fully in the funeral rites and bid farewell to the iconic scholar. The funeral prayer (Janazah), is scheduled to take place tomorrow in accordance with Islamic rites.
The governor’s Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mukhtar Gidado, explained that the decision was a reflection of the immeasurable influence Sheikh Dahiru Bauchi wielded over decades of teaching, spiritual mentoring, and peace-building.
A Life of Scholarship and Service
Gidado described Sheikh Dahiru Bauchi as “a beacon of Islamic scholarship, a guardian of Qur’anic education, and a symbol of moral uprightness whose legacy will continue to illuminate generations.”
He further highlighted the late scholar’s role in:
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Establishing Qur’anic and Islamic learning centres across Nigeria
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Mentoring thousands of students who have become respected scholars
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Promoting peace, unity, and interfaith understanding
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Upholding the values of humility, discipline, and devotion
“Sheikh Dahiru Usman Bauchi’s life and legacy in Islamic scholarship, Qur’anic education, spiritual mentorship, and promotion of peace and unity have left a profound impact in Nigeria and beyond,” the statement read.
Call for Prayers and Support
The Bauchi State Government also urged citizens to join in offering prayers for the repose of the scholar’s soul, and to extend support and condolences to his family, students, and followers during this period of grief.
“May the soul of Sheikh Dahiru Usman Bauchi rest in eternal peace. Ameen,” the statement concluded.