By Abdussamad Yahya Sufi The Resource Forum of the Islamic movement, Bauchi Chapter, under Sheikh Ibraheem Zakzaky, conducted it...
By Abdussamad Yahya Sufi
The Resource Forum of the Islamic movement, Bauchi Chapter, under Sheikh Ibraheem Zakzaky, conducted its second memorial lecture commemorating Malam Yakubun Bauchi, the first Emir of Bauchi, and his contributions to Islamic scholarship, community development, and the growth of Islamic institutions in the region.
The lecture, held on Sunday, August 23, 2026, saw in attendance Islamic scholars, traditional leaders, historians, and other stakeholders from within and outside the state.
According to Media Forum of the Islamic Movement Bauchi Chapter, the lecture centred on the life and times of Malam Yakubun Bauchi, his relationship with Sheikh Usman Danfodio, and his role in spreading Islamic knowledge and building Islamic institutions in Bauchi.
Speaking at the event, Sheikh Ahmad Yusuf Yashi, representative of the disciples of Sheikh Ibraheem Yaqoub Zakzaky, said the memorial lecture was aimed at preserving historical knowledge and honouring scholars who contributed to the growth of Islam and community development in Bauchi.
He mentioned the need to continue holding such historical commemorations to educate younger generations about their religious heritage and the contributions made by past scholars in molding society.
In his presentation titled “Wanene Malam Yakubun Bauchi?” (Who is Malam Yakubun Bauchi?), Alhaji Ado Dan Rimi, Wakilin Tarihin Bauchi, examined the background, education, and historical relevance of Malam Yakubun Bauchi.
Alhaji Ado described Malam Yakubun Bauchi as a distinguished Islamic scholar who came from the Mangawa tribe, a people known at the time for seeking knowledge and rearing livestock. He explained that the family of Malam Yakubu originated from Eastern Nigeria and spoke Kanuri on their arrival in the area, which accounted for the connection of some of his descendants with the Kanuri language and their being referred to as the people of Jere.
Alhaji Ado also described Malam Yakubun Bauchi as a distinguished Islamic scholar who had a close relationship with Sheikh Usman ÆŠanfodiyo, he said the relationship influenced and helped direct his religious growth and later contributions to Bauchi.
He explained that Malam Yakubu travelled to Sokoto to study under Sheikh Usman Danfodio, where he spent years acquiring Islamic knowledge before returning to Bauchi to teach and guide the people. He said it was during this period that Sheikh Usman Danfodio informed him of his father’s death.
He added that the closeness between them was such that Sheikh Usman Danfodio personally turbaned Malam Yakubu and gave him special items, while other students were assigned others to perform the service for them. He said Sheikh Usman Danfodio described Malam Yakubu as “Yakubu É—ana ne na ciki,” meaning he was his own son who held a special position with him. He also said the closeness reached the point that Sheikh Usman Danfodio gave his granddaughter in marriage to Malam Yakubu Bauchi.
According to the historian, Malam Yakubu later established a settlement that developed into an important centre of Islamic learning and historical stature in the region. Alhaji Ado explained that when Malam Yakubu decided to establish his own town, he first went to Sheikh Usman Danfodio for counsel. He said Sheikh Usman Danfodio directed him to a place called Dutsen Warinji, described as a wide expanse with six wells, and gave him the glad tidings that if he settled there with faith, the town would not cease until the end of the world. Malam Yakubu later went and established the town, which later grew into one of the important centres of history and religion in the area.
Alhaji Ado also spoke on Malam Yakubu’s role in spreading Islamic teachings, strengthening religious institutions, and laying the foundation of the Bauchi Emirate system.
He also stated that before his death, Malam Yakubu left a will that no chieftaincy should be given to anyone outside his household, except to someone suitable from among his descendants. After his death, his son Ibrahim was given that position, which helped in the continuation of the affairs of his family and the emirate.
Another major presentation was delivered by Dr. Mujtaba Abdulkadir, Provost of A. D. Rufa’i College of Legal and Islamic Studies, Bauchi State, titled “Gudummawar Malam Yakubun Bauchi a Fagen Tabbatar da Addinin Musulunci Æ™arÆ™ashin Malaminsa kuma Jagoransa, Sheikh Usman ÆŠanfodiyo.”
Dr. Mujtaba emphasised that one of Malam Yakubu’s major contributions was promoting Islamic education and spreading religious knowledge among the people. He explained that during his early studies in Bauchi, Malam Ishaku was among his teachers. He said that when Malam Ishaku heard about the teachings of Sheikh Usman Danfodio, he took Malam Yakubu and they went to the Sheikh to seek knowledge. He said they studied together for seven years, after which Malam Ishaku returned while Malam Yakubu continued staying with Sheikh Usman Danfodio until the period of the Jihad. He said this long stay and closeness strengthened the bond between them and later helped to reinforce the historical connection between the Bauchi Emirate and the Sokoto Caliphate.
The representative of the Emir of Bauchi expressed appreciation to the organisers and participants, describing the lecture as an important platform for preserving Bauchi’s religious and cultural heritage. He said: “Alhamdulillah, Alhamdulillah, in the town of Bauchi you will not find any church or beer parlour that you can say is within the heart of Bauchi.”
The event concluded with closing remarks by Sheikh Ahmad Yusuf Yashi and a vote of thanks by Malam Dalhat Sa’id Ghani. Earlier, Malam Umar Sa’id Ghani opened the programme with prayers and Qur’anic recitation, while Sheikh Kabiru Arabi offered the closing prayer.
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