02/07/2026
PRESS STATEMENT
The National Executives Council of the Tijjaniyyah Muslim Students Association of Nigeria (TIMSAN) expresses profound gratitude to Almighty Allah for the successful resolution of the issues concerning the religious rights of Tijjaniyyah Muslim students at Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University (ATBU), Bauchi.
Following the intervention of the Department of State Services, the Management of ATBU, TIMSAN Patrons, the IOTB National Executives, and other critical stakeholders, an amicable resolution has been reached. As part of the process, the initially approved space allocated for the construction of a mosque for Tijjaniyyah students was revoked, which necessitated the developments that followed.
Among the key resolutions reached are the granting of unrestricted access and permission for Tijjaniyyah students to use a designated mosque within the University to peacefully conduct their daily, weekly, and periodic religious activities on campus in the interest of peace, as well as the adoption of an inclusive approach in the leadership of campus mosques and MSSN Shura Committees to ensure fair representation of all Islamic groups.
We wish to emphasize that our concern has never been about the construction of a new mosque, but rather about the protection of the religious freedom of Tijjaniyyah students to practice their faith without hindrance. We are pleased that this fundamental objective has now been achieved in ATBU.
We believe that this resolution provides a practical framework for addressing similar religious concerns in other tertiary institutions across the country. Consequently, the National Leadership will engage the managements of other universities and higher institutions, as well as relevant stakeholders, to encourage the adoption of similar measures that promote justice, inclusiveness, and peaceful coexistence among Muslim students.
We sincerely appreciate the Department of State Services, the Management of ATBU, Shaykh Usman Dahiru Bauchi Foundation, our esteemed Patrons, the IOTBs, and all individuals and organizations who lent their voices in support of justice, dialogue, and religious harmony throughout this process.
We also commend our members for their patience, maturity, and unwavering commitment to peace. TIMSAN remains committed to constructive engagement and will continue to work with institutional authorities and other Muslim organizations to strengthen unity, protect the rights of all Muslim students, and foster lasting harmony on our campuses.
Signed
TIMSAN National Executives Council
