The Government of Bauchi State in northern Nigeria has declared Friday as a work-free day to allow residents participate fully in the funeral of the late globally recognised Islamic scholar, Sheikh Dahiru Usman Bauchi. The revered cleric, who was known for his decades of influence in Qur’anic education and spiritual leadership across West Africa, passed away at the age of one hundred and one years.
In a statement issued on Thursday, the Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to the Governor of Bauchi State, Mukhtar Gidado, said the decision was approved by Governor Bala Mohammed. According to him, Friday, 28 November 2025, would be a non-working day for the entire state.
The statement read, “This declaration comes as a mark of respect and honour for late Sheikh Dahiru Usman Bauchi, whose funeral prayer is scheduled to take place tomorrow in accordance with Islamic rites.
“The decision is meant to enable government workers, students, followers of the late scholar, and the general public to participate in the funeral prayers and pay their last respects.”
Okay News reports that the state government emphasised the extraordinary influence of Sheikh Dahiru Usman Bauchi, highlighting how his teachings shaped religious scholarship across Nigeria and several other countries within the Muslim world. Gidado described the late scholar as a towering figure whose teachings spread beyond Bauchi State and impacted millions of people for generations.
He stated, “The government recognises the profound impact of Sheikh Bauchi’s life and legacy—his dedication to Islamic scholarship, Qur’anic education, spiritual mentorship, and the promotion of peace, unity, and moral uprightness across Nigeria and beyond.”
The Government of Bauchi State also called on the public to pray for the repose of his soul and to offer support to his family members, students, religious followers, and the wider Muslim community during the period of mourning.
A statement added, “May the soul of Sheikh Dahiru Usman Bauchi rest in eternal peace. Ameen.”
Reports earlier on Thursday confirmed that the distinguished scholar had passed away at the age of one hundred and one years.
