President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has extended his felicitations to a renowned Islamic leader in Nigeria, Sheikh Dahiru Usman Bauchi on reaching the milestone age of 100 years.
The President in a statement signed by his Spokesperson, Ajuri Ngelale, thanked the Tijjaniyya leader for dedicating his life to spreading knowledge and raising generations of Nigerians.
President Tinubu described Sheikh Dahiru Bauchi as ‘a shining light who has significantly contributed to shaping Islamic knowledge, as well as moral and ethical standards in modern Nigeria.’
President Tinubu prayed for greater wisdom and good health for the Sheikh.
Born on the 2nd of Almuharram 1346 A.H., equivalent to 100 years, Sheikh Bauchi’s contributions to Islamic scholarship and education have been widely celebrated in Nigeria and beyond.
He began his Islamic education under the tutelage of his father, Alhaji Usman, becoming a Hafizul Qur-ān (memoriser of the Glorious Qur-ān) before the age of 20. He furthered his studies under numerous esteemed Islamic scholars both within and outside Nigeria, with Sheikh Ibrāhīm Inyass being his most influential teacher.
His profound knowledge led to his recognition as a Professor of Qur-ānic memorisation and education, and he has been honoured as one of the world’s greatest Mufassirun (translators of the Glorious Qur-ān).
Sheikh Bauchi commenced his Tafsīr (Qur-ānic exegesis) in Bauchi State in 1948, dedicating 76 years to translating the Holy Qur-ān. His Tafsīr broadcasts began on Bauchi Radio Corporation in 1976, and later on Radio Nigeria Kaduna in 1980. Today, numerous radio stations across northern Nigeria air his teachings, especially during Ramadan.
With a large family comprising 100 children, 406 grandchildren, and 100 great-grandchildren, Sheikh Bauchi’s legacy of Qur-ān memorisation continues. Remarkably, 78 of his children, over 199 grandchildren, and 12 great-grandchildren are also Hafizul Qur-ān, balancing both Islamic and Western education.
Mercy Chukwudiebere
Mercy Chukwudiebere