Bauchi State Area Unit of the Muslim Students’ Society of Nigeria (MSSN), has reiterated its commitment to peaceful coexistence and religious harmony and unity among all Muslims in the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University (ATBU).
The MSSN therefore, respectfully appealed to the Vice-Chancellor of Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University (ATBU), Prof Ibrahim Garba and the entire University Management to reconsider the current situation in the broader interest of institutional peace, religious harmony, and the long-standing unity enjoyed by the Muslim community within the University.
The appeal was contained in letter signed by Associate Professor Hamid Adamu Muhammad, Ameer, Muslim Students’ Society of Nigeria (MSSN), Bauchi State Area Unit, titled: MSSN Bauchi State Area Unit’s Position on the Allocation of Land to TIMSAN at Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University (ATBU), Bauchi, and the Resignation of the Chief Imam and his Deputy”, addressed to the VC.
The letter also contained, “We equally appeal to all Islamic organizations, groups, scholars, and members of the Muslim Ummah to place the unity of the Ummah above all sectarian interests, and to approach this matter with wisdom, patience, and sincerity, remembering the command of Allah (SWT).*”And hold firmly to the Rope of Allah all together and do not become divided.”* (Surah Aal-‘Imran 3:103)
The MSSN believes that sustainable peace can only be achieved through consultation (Shurah), mutual respect, justice, and sincere dialogue.
While calling for restraint, MSSN stated that,”We call upon all Muslim students, staff, alumni, and members of the wider Muslim community to remain calm, peaceful, law-abiding, and avoid inflammatory statements or actions capable of escalating tensions. Islam teaches dialogue, wisdom, patience, and reconciliation in resolving disputes.”
On commitment to dialogue, it stated that,”MSSN Bauchi State Area Unit remains committed to engaging constructively with the University Management and all relevant stakeholders in pursuit of a peaceful, dignified, and mutually acceptable resolution of this matter.”
It stated that, “The Muslim Students’ Society of Nigeria (MSSN), Bauchi State Area Unit, has carefully observed, monitored, and studied the recent developments at Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University (ATBU), Bauchi. Following 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 through a letter dated *15th June, 2026 (Ref: ATBU/REG/ADM/186).”
The MSSN stressed that,”This decision has generated widespread concern among Muslim students, staff, alumni, and the broader Muslim community. Given the potential implications for unity and peace within the University, MSSN Bauchi State Area Unit considers it necessary to state its position on the matter.”
“We have also carefully studied the official response submitted to the VC by the MSSN ATBU Branch dated *20th June, 2026 (Ref: MSSN/ATBU/AM/25-26/NO.005).* In which the Branch raised serious administrative, security, and religious concerns regarding the decision. The Branch cautioned that the allocation could lead to the fragmentation of the Muslim student community, weaken institutional harmony, and constitute a potential threat to peace and security within the University. These concerns deserve careful consideration in the interest of preserving the unity and stability that have long existed within the University,” it added.
According to MSSN,”Furthermore, we have received with deep concern the voluntary resignation of the Chief Imam of ATBU, *Professor Mansur Isa Yelwa,* and his Deputy, *Dr. Umar Aliyu Shehu* following the development. We understand that their resignation was informed by the fact that they were neither consulted nor involved in a decision directly affecting the administration of Muslim affairs within the University. This unfortunate situation has created anxiety among Muslim students, staff, alumni, and the wider Muslim community.”
It stressed that,”For over Seventeen years, Professor Mansur Isa Yelwa and Dr. Umar Aliyu Shehu have served the University with distinction, sincerity, wisdom, moderation, and firm commitment towards promoting unity among Muslims irrespective of doctrinal or ideological differences. Their leadership has significantly contributed to maintaining religious harmony and peaceful coexistence within the University community.”
The Muslim Students’ Society of Nigeria (MSSN), established in *1954* , remains the oldest, largest, and most recognized Islamic students’ movement in Nigeria. As clearly stated in the National Constitution of the Society, one of its principal aims is:
” *To bring all Muslims into closer union and inculcate in them the true Islamic spirit of brotherhood and absolute faith in Allah as the only basis for the achievement of peace among mankind.”*
It added that, “For over Seven decades, MSSN has consistently discharged this responsibility across secondary schools and tertiary institutions throughout Nigeria by accommodating all Muslim students regardless of ideological affiliation, including Salafiyyah, Izalah (all strands), Tijjaniyyah, Qadiriyyah, and other Islamic orientations, thereby preserving the unity of the Ummah on campuses nationwide.”
“It is important to note that Nigeria is home to numerous Islamic groups and schools of thought. The uniqueness of MSSN has always been its neutrality, inclusiveness, and commitment to providing a common platform where every Muslim student is represented without discrimination. This noble tradition has sustained peace and prevented sectarian divisions in educational institutions across the country,” it added.
The Bauchi State Area Unit therefore believes that any administrative action capable of creating separate sectarian identities within the University’s Muslim community should be approached with utmost caution, extensive consultation, and due consideration of its long-term implications.
It added that, “After careful consideration, MSSN Bauchi State Area Unit hereby stated that preservation of Muslim Unity Must Remain Paramount. The unity of the Muslim Ummah within ATBU must never be compromised. Every policy or administrative decision relating to Muslim religious affairs should strengthen existing unity rather than create parallel structures capable of dividing Muslim students along sectarian lines.”
It stresses that recognition of MSSN as the Umbrella Body remains the established and universally recognized Umbrella Body representing Muslim students in Nigerian educational institutions, including ATBU. Matters relating to Muslim students’ religious administration should therefore be channelled through the recognized leadership of MSSN in consultation with relevant stakeholders.
On protection of Campus peace and security, it stated that, “The University Management should appreciate the magnitude of the possible consequences arising from decisions capable of creating religious polarization. Such developments, if not carefully managed, may generate avoidable tensions, security challenges, and long-term instability within the University community.”
On strengthening consultation, MSSN stated that, “We respectfully urge the University Management to institutionalize regular consultation with MSSN ATBU Branch, the Muslim Ummah leadership, the Office of the Chief Imam, alumni representatives, and other relevant stakeholders before making decisions affecting Muslim religious affairs on campus.”
On immediate reconciliation, it stated that,”We call upon the University Management to immediately engage in sincere dialogue with Professor Mansur Isa Yalwa, his Deputy, MSSN leadership, and other respected stakeholders with a view to resolving the current misunderstanding and restoring confidence among members of the Muslim community.”
On restoration of the Office of the Chief Imam, MSSN stated that,”Considering the immense contributions of Professor Mansur Isa Yalwa and his Deputy towards maintaining peace, moderation, and unity over the years, we respectfully appeal to the University Management to take all necessary steps to facilitate their return to office before the forthcoming Friday Jumu’ah prayer in order to prevent further anxiety and preserve confidence within the University community.”
It also called for review of the Land Allocation stressing that,
“In the interest of justice, institutional harmony, and sustainable peace, we respectfully call upon the University Management to review and withdraw the approval granted for the allocation of land to any independent Islamic sectarian body and ensure that any facility intended for Muslim students is administered through the recognized umbrella body, MSSN, for the benefit of all Muslim students irrespective of ideological affiliation.”
Speaking on the Administration of University Mosques, it affirmed that the University mosques are places of worship for all Muslims and should remain symbols of unity, inclusiveness, and brotherhood.,stressing that,”Their administration should continue to reflect these principles and should never become instruments for sectarian division.
