Why ATBU Chief Imam Resigned Over Approval of Tijjaniyyah Mosque

The immediate past Chief Imam of the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University (ATBU), Bauchi, Professor Mansur Isa Yelwa, has explained why he resigned from his position, saying the university’s approval for the Tijjaniyyah Muslim Students’ Association of Nigeria (TIMSAN) to build a mosque on campus could undermine the unity of the Muslim community within the institution.

Professor Yelwa announced his resignation during his Juma’at sermon last Friday, insisting that while he had no objection to the Tijjaniyyah sect or its followers, he believed the decision could open the door for other Islamic groups to demand separate mosques, thereby creating divisions among Muslim students and staff.

He argued that throughout his 17 years as Chief Imam, he had worked to promote unity among Muslims regardless of sectarian affiliation, but described the university’s decision as one capable of reversing those gains.

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The former Chief Imam also expressed disappointment that the university management approved the request without consulting him despite his responsibility for coordinating Islamic worship and religious activities across the institution.

He maintained that he would only reconsider his resignation if the approval granted to TIMSAN was withdrawn.

However, the university defended its decision, saying the approval followed due process and did not violate any law.

The Director of Information and Public Relations, Zailani Bappa, said the approval was only for a separate place where TIMSAN members could conduct Wazifa and not for the establishment of another Juma’at mosque.

According to him, the decision was reached after consultations involving the university’s Muslim SHURA Council, TIMSAN and other stakeholders, adding that the institution remains committed to peaceful coexistence among all religious groups.

Bappa stressed that the existing Gubi Campus Juma’at Mosque remains the only central Friday mosque on the campus, dismissing fears that the approval would create religious division within the university community.

(Trust)