Students Back Ex-Varsity Chief Imam, Seek Review Of Mosque Land Allocation

The Muslim Students’ Society of Nigeria (MSSN), Bauchi State chapter, has backed the former Chief Imam of Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University (ATBU), Prof. Mansur Yelwa, over his resignation following the university management’s decision to allocate land to an Islamic sect for the construction of a mosque.

The society called on the vice-chancellor and management to reconsider the decision, warning that it could undermine the peace, religious harmony and unity that have existed among Muslims on the campus.

In a statement signed yesterday by the president of MSSN Bauchi State Chapter, Prof. Hamid Adamu Muhammad, he appealed to the university authorities to address the matter in the broader interest of maintaining institutional stability and fostering peaceful coexistence among members of the university community.”

“We respectfully appeal to the vice chancellor 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 Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University.” Statement read.

The group also urged Islamic organisations, scholars and members of the Muslim Ummah to avoid actions capable of deepening divisions and instead prioritise unity over sectarian interests.

According to MSSN, the controversy should be approached with wisdom, patience and sincerity, in line with the Islamic injunction that calls on believers to remain united.

The group stressed that lasting peace could only be achieved through consultation (Shurah), mutual respect, justice and sincere dialogue among all parties involved.

The society prayed for divine guidance for the university authorities and all stakeholders, expressing hope that the dispute would be resolved in a manner that strengthens unity and preserves peace within the institution.