By Khalid Idris Doya
The Muslim Students' Society of Nigeria (MSSN), Bauchi State Area Unit, has called on the management of Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University (ATBU), Bauchi, to immediately engage in sincere dialogue with the University's Chief Imam, Prof. Mansur Isa Yalwa, his deputy, Dr. Umar Aliyu Shehu, the leadership of MSSN, and other relevant stakeholders to resolve the ongoing misunderstanding and restore confidence within the Muslim community.
The appeal follows the recent resignation of Prof. Yalwa and his deputy in protest over the university's approval of a plot of land at the Gubi Campus to the Tijjaniyya Muslim Students' Association of Nigeria (TIMSAN), ATBU Branch, for religious activities. The approval was conveyed in a letter dated June 15, 2026 (Ref: ATBU/REG/ADM/186).
In a statement made available to journalists in Bauchi yesterday, the Ameer of MSSN Bauchi State Area Unit, Associate Prof. Hamid Adamu Muhammad, said the unity of the Muslim Ummah within ATBU must never be compromised.
He stressed that every policy or administrative decision affecting Muslim religious affairs should strengthen existing unity rather than create parallel structures capable of dividing Muslim students along sectarian lines.
According to the statement, any administrative action capable of creating separate sectarian identities within the University's Muslim community should be approached with utmost caution, broad consultation, and careful consideration of its long-term implications.
MSSN also appealed to the University Management to facilitate the return of Professor Yalwa and Dr. Shehu to their positions before the forthcoming Friday Jumu'ah prayer, noting that both leaders have made significant contributions to promoting peace, moderation, and unity within the institution.
The Society maintained that MSSN remains the recognised umbrella body representing Muslim students in Nigerian educational institutions, including ATBU, and that matters relating to Muslim students' religious administration should be handled through the Society in consultation with relevant stakeholders.
It warned that decisions capable of creating religious polarisation could lead to avoidable tensions, security concerns, and long-term instability within the University community.
MSSN further urged the University Management to institutionalize regular consultations with the ATBU Branch of MSSN, the Muslim Ummah leadership, the Office of the Chief Imam, alumni representatives, and other stakeholders before taking decisions affecting Muslim religious affairs on campus.
The Society also called on the University to review and withdraw the approval granted for the allocation of land to any independent Islamic sectarian body. It insisted that any facility intended for Muslim students should be administered through the recognised umbrella body, MSSN, for the benefit of all Muslim students, irrespective of ideological affiliation.
According to the statement, the University's mosques are places of worship for all Muslims and should remain symbols of unity, inclusiveness, and brotherhood rather than instruments of sectarian division.
MSSN appealed to Muslim students, staff, alumni, and members of the wider Muslim community to remain calm, peaceful, and law-abiding, while avoiding inflammatory statements or actions capable of escalating tensions. It noted that Islam encourages dialogue, wisdom, patience, and reconciliation in resolving disputes.
The Society reaffirmed its commitment to constructive engagement with the university management and all relevant stakeholders in pursuit of a peaceful, dignified, and mutually acceptable resolution of the matter.
It also appealed to the Vice-Chancellor and the university management to reconsider the decision in the broader interest of institutional peace, religious harmony, and the long-standing unity enjoyed by the Muslim community within ATBU.
MSSN further urged Islamic organisations, scholars, and members of the Muslim Ummah to place unity above sectarian interests and to approach the matter with wisdom, patience, and sincerity, stressing that sustainable peace can only be achieved through consultation (Shurah), mutual respect, justice, and sincere dialogue.
Meanwhile, ATBU has maintained that the allocation of land to TIMSAN was intended to enable the association to build a mosque for religious activities, including Wazifa, in line with the constitutional right of individuals to freely practise their religion.
The university's director of information, Zailani Bappa, said the decision was taken in the interest of fairness to all parties and to promote peace, harmony, and stability within the university.
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