Bauchi State Overview: What You Need To Know Guide

Bauchi is a state in Nigeria worth visiting if you want to experience both tourism and a rich cultural heritage.

Located in the north eastern part of Nigeria, Bauchi is bordered by Jigawa to the north, Yobe to the northeast, Gombe to the east, Taraba and Plateau to the south, Kaduna to the west and Kano to the northwest.

The state was created in 1976, and its capital city is also named Bauchi.

What Location?

Geographically, Bauchi is situated in north-eastern Nigeria, positioned between latitudes 9.8° N and 10.3° N, and longitudes 9.8° E and 10.2° E.

It is bordered by Yobe to the north-side, Jigawa to the northwest, Kano to the west, Plateau to the south, and Gombe to the east.

Also, the state lies between the West Sudanian Savannah in the south and the drier, semi-desert Sahelian savannah in the north, with a small area of the montane Jos Plateau in the southwest.

Bauchi State State
Capital: Bauchi
bauchi state map nigeria
Nickname: Pearl of Tourism

Date of Creation:3 February 1
LocationNorth East
Executive Governor:Bala Mohammed
Deputy Governor:Auwal Jatau
Population:4.6 million as at 2006 Census
Language:NA
LGA:15
Postal Code740001

Land Area & Population

The state covers an area of 45,893 square kilometers of total Nigeria land.

According to the 2006 census, Bauchi’s population was 4,676,465. This makes it the fifth largest state in Nigeria.

By 2022, the population is estimated to be 8,308,800. This results in a density of 260 people per square kilometer. Bauchi became the seventh largest state by population in 2022.

Topography of The State

Varying topography defines the Bauchi landscape, which includes valleys, lakes, rivers, mountains, and sandy terrain. For instance, in the southern part, there are several mountainous zones due to the extension of the Jos Plateau. While, the northern part of the state has a sandy topography. In addition, the Gongola and Jama’are rivers contribute significantly to shaping the state’s landscape. Notably, the Gongola River runs through three local government areas: Tafawa Balewa, Kirfi, and Alkaleri. Moreso, the river basin, where the Jama’are flows into its tributaries, supports agricultural activities in the surrounding plains.

Bauchi Vegetation

Bauchi has two vegetative zones: the Sudan savannah and the Sahel savannah. The Sudan savannah spreads across the southern axis. The plant life in this zone flourishes, especially those near water sources or riverbanks. Additionally, the vegetation tends to be uniform, with shorter grasses as you move toward the extreme south compared to those found in the mid-belt zone. Contrarily, the Sahel savannah features semi-arid plant life. As you travel from the south toward the northern part of the state, you will notice this savannah as you approach the middle of Bauchi. The Sahel savannah is characterized by isolated stands of thorny shrubs.

Climate of Bauchi

Bauchi has two climatic conditions: the rainy and dry seasons. The wet period lasts from May to October, totaling six months. The state experiences heavy rainfall between June and September, which is the peak period. On the other hand, the dry season also lasts for six months, starting from November and ending in April the following year. This period includes the harmattan season (from late November to early March), which brings very dry and dusty winds from the Sahara region.

What are the average temperature levels in Bauchi State?

In the hotter months, temperatures can be very high, especially during the day. April is the hottest month, with an average daily temperature of 95 degrees Fahrenheit. The cooler season starts from July  and ends on October, with the average daily high temperature below 85 degrees Fahrenheit for about eight weeks. However, January is the coldest month in Bauchi.

Language

The people of bauchi speak different languages. While English is the official language, there are over 25 spoken local dialects but the most commonly spoken language is Hausa. 

How many LGA?

There are 15 Local Government Areas in Bauchi State, Nigeria. Find the list below:

Local Government Areas
Alkaleri
Bauchi
Bogoro
Darazo
Dass
Dukku
Gamawa
Ganjuwa
Kirfi
Misau
Ningi
Shira
Tafawa Balewa
Toro
Zaki

Occupation of The People

In early days, agriculture was the major occupation in Bauchi State. The indigenes were primarily engaged in livestock farming (rearing cattle, goats, and sheep) and crop cultivation. Key agricultural products grown in the region include groundnuts, maize, millet, yam, sorghum, tomatoes, cotton, and beans. Advanced irrigation techniques have significantly better boosted agricultural activities.

However, in modern times, occupations in Bauchi have diversified to include trade and commerce, as well as crafts and handicrafts. Some individuals work in the civil service, while others are self-employed as business people.

Religion in The Land

Bauchi State is predominantly Muslim, with Islam being the major religion practiced by most residents. There are also significant communities of Christians and individuals of traditional African religions. The southern parts of Bauchi State, such as Bogoro, Tafawa Balewa, and Shendam LGAs, have larger Christian populations. This may be due to the diverse ethnic and religious composition in these areas.

If you are a Christian planning to relocate to Bauchi, these southern LGAs might be the best places to find a community of the same faith. Nevertheless, if you are Muslim, the northern and central regions, including Bauchi (the state capital), Darazo, Dukku, and others, are where you are more likely to find individuals of the same faith.

Who Is The First Governor Of Bauchi State?

Mohammed Bello Kaliel , the first governor that rule bauchi state

Mohammed Bello Kaliel is the first governor of Bauchi State. He also hails from the state. Bello Kaliel joined the Nigerian Army (Nigeria Defense Forces) in 1967. Shortly after, in 1972, he became an instructor at the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA) due to his vibrancy, communication skills, and public relations abilities, holding the position until 1974. In a short period (within two years), in 1976, Murtala Muhammad, the then Head of State, appointed Bello Kaliel as the first governor of the state after it was created.

Since he was the first governor of Bauchi, and the state was newly created, there was no administrative structure in place. However, he called a team of experts from Maiduguri’s civil service to help form the new administration for the state. Moreover, as a man who valued transformation, he saw the need to improve the electricity and water supply systems of Bauchi, as both infrastructures were in poor condition when he took office.

After leaving office in 1978, his career did not end there. Bello Kaliel also served as the Commander of the Brigade of Guards from 1981 to 1984 in Lagos, after holding other positions in the Nigerian military. He was once the Federal Minister of Water Resources under the government of Olusegun Obasanjo. His career remained robust up to 2005, when he served as a board member of All States Trust Bank PLC, before passing away in 2015. He left a positive impact on his generation.

Who Is The Governor Of Bauchi State?

Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed, governor of bauchi May 2019

Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed is the current and sixteenth governor of Bauchi State. He took office on May 29, 2019, and is now serving his second term in office. Bala Mohammed was born on October 5, 1958. He attended Duguri Primary School and Government Secondary School in Bauchi in 1971 and 1976, respectively.

Before obtaining his B.Sc. degree in Arts from the University of Maiduguri, he went to Northeast College, where he earned his A-level certificates. His early career began in the Federal Ministry of Internal Affairs, where he served as an administrative officer in 1994. He later worked in various civil service organizations, eventually rising to the position of director before resigning to join politics.

Bala’s political career began as a senator, where he represented Bauchi South under the ANPP. In the Senate, he was one of the most active and outspoken members, which gave him an edge in holding various positions within the Senate. His influence also played a significant role in helping Goodluck Jonathan become the acting president as a result of the doctrine of necessity he initiated.

In 2010, he became the FCT Minister, where he initiated many developments such as the sensitization of FCT land administration, road expansion, and the installation of solar-powered street traffic lights, among others. Despite being arrested and harassed on several occasions, Bala stood firm, asserting that the actions were politically motivated due to his role in the Doctrine of Necessity, and he never fled the country.

Who Is The Deputy Governor Of Bauchi State?

Auwal Jatau, deputy governor of bauchi state. may 29 2019

Honorable Auwal Jatau is the current Deputy Governor of Bauchi State, having taken office on May 29, 2023. He is a well-educated individual. He attended the Polytechnic of Cross River State and obtained a Master’s degree in Business Administration from the University of Kensington. He is also a qualified accountant with over 30 years of experience. Additionally, he is a certified fellow in public accounting, with various professional certifications earned both in Nigeria and abroad.

His political career began as the Speaker of the Bauchi House of Assembly Minority Leader. From 2003 to June 2011, he served as the State Deputy House Leader. In addition, before becoming the Deputy Governor, he co-organized agricultural training programs for 2,000 unemployed youths and 2,000 new farmers between 2003 and 2004. Jatau is an outstanding man with a vision for the development of human capacity and the growth of Nigeria’s economy, particularly in the agricultural sector.

List of All Governors of Bauchi State

Before democratic rule, presidents appointed governors as military administrators. On the other hand, under the current democratic system, citizens elect governors through a two-stage process. The list below includes both military and civilian governors of Bauchi State to date.

NameStart TenureEnd TenureParty
Mohammad B. KhalielMar 1976Jul 1978Military
Garba DubaJul 1978Oct 1979Military
Abubakar T. AliOct 1979Dec 1983NPN
Mohammed S. SamiJan 1984Aug 1985Military
Chris A. GarubaAug 1985Dec 1987Military
Joshua MadakiDec 1987Aug 1990Military
Abu AliAug 1990Jan 1992Military
Dahiru MohammedJan 1992Nov 1993NRC
James Kalau9 Dec 199314 Sep 1994Military
Rasheed A. Raji14 Sep 199422 Aug 1996Military
Theophilus Bamigboye22 Aug 1996Aug 1998Military
Abdul MsheliaAug 1998May 1999Military
Ahmad A. Mu’azu29 May 199929 May 2007PDP
Isa Yuguda29 May 200729 May 2015ANPP
Mohammed A. Abubakar29 May 201529 May 2019APC
Bala Mohammed29 May 2019IncumbentPDP

A brief History of Bauchi State

Bauchi was initially under the control of the Fulani jihadis in the early 1800s. They established the Bauchi emirate under the Sokoto caliphate. In the 19th century, the British incorporate the territory as Bauchi Province. This area became part of the Northern Nigeria protectorates, which later formed British Nigeria before Nigeria gained independence in 1960.

After independence, Bauchi was part of the northern region until 1967, when it became part of North Eastern State. On February 3, 1976, Bauchi State was officially established. Initially, it comprised 16 local government areas, which later increased to 20. In 1997, some areas were divided to create Gombe State.

Bauchi has undergone several changes over the years. The Ajawa dialect, once spoken in the region, became extinct by 1940, leading to the adoption of Hausa. Notably, Sharia law was implemented in Bauchi State in June 2001.

Tourism in Bauchi State

Yankari Park is one of the most popular destinations for recreation and tourism in Bauchi. Every year, visitors from near and far come to the national park for wildlife viewing, relaxation, and exploration. The park boasts a variety of wildlife that delights families. When you visit Yankari Reserve, you can see these animals in their natural habitat:

  1. African buffalo
  2. African bush elephant
  3. African leopard
  4. Patas monkey
  5. Hippopotamus
  6. Roan antelope
  7. Waterbuck
  8. Western hartebeest
  9. West African lion

Higher institutions in Bauchi State

The federal government of Nigeria and the Bauchi State government have made it possible for residents to further their studies after secondary education by establishing universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education, both state and federally owned. These include:

Institution NameTypeRemark
Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University (ATBU)Federal UniversityLocated in Bauchi, offers undergraduate and postgraduate programs in engineering, technology, sciences, social sciences, and management sciences.
Bauchi State University (BSU)State UniversityLocated in Gadau LGA, offers undergraduate and postgraduate degrees in various fields.
Bauchi Federal PolytechnicFederal PolytechnicOffers courses in engineering, technology, and sciences.
College of Education, Bauchi (COE)State CollegeSpecializes in teacher training and educational programs.

Notable People

The state of Bauchi has produced many notable individuals in diverse fields such as politics, education, and literature. Here are a few prominent figures:

Abubakar Tafawa Balewa, born in December 1912, hailed from Bauchi. He graduated from the University of London and was a prominent Nigerian politician, particularly focused on Northern Nigeria. Remarkably, Balewa was the first and only Prime Minister of Nigeria, owing to his close ties with British colonial authorities.

Another notable figure from Bauchi State is Mallam Sa’adu Zungur, born in 1914. Although he died in his 40s, he was an active and radical political player in the Northern region. A poet, jurist, revolutionary, and nationalist, he played a significant role in the Nigerian independence movement, particularly in the North. His writings often criticized British rule, marking him as an important figure among Northern political leaders. Ahmed Mahmud Sa’ad Zungur passed away on January 28, 1958.

Jude Rabo, born on June 21, 1961, in Bogoro LGA, was one of Nigeria’s first professors. An academic in veterinary medicine, he served as the Vice Chancellor of the Federal University of Taraba State.

Additionally, Mohammed Abdullahi Abubakar was the governor of Bauchi State from 2015 to 2019. Born on December 11, 1956, he is a notable Nigerian politician.

Another prominent individual from Bauchi is Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed. Born on October 5, 1958, he graduated from the University of Maiduguri with a Bachelor of Arts degree. Before becoming governor in 2019, he served as the senator for Bauchi South from 2007 to 2010 and was a minister in the Federal Republic of Nigeria from 2010 to 2015.

Remark:

Since Bauchi State was created in 1976, it has been governed by both military and civilian leaders. The state’s population has continued to grow, with a notable increase between the 2006 census figures and the 2022 estimates. Although the people of Bauchi speak various languages, Hausa is the most widely spoken across the region.

The state is divided into 15 Local Government Areas (LGAs), which help facilitate resource allocation. As previously mentioned, Bauchi’s landscape includes diverse vegetation types, varying topography, and distinct climate conditions across different zones, from the south to the north.

In terms of education, Bauchi State University offers a variety of undergraduate courses. Additionally, Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, a federal institution, provides more affordable tuition, making higher education accessible to more students.  

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

X (Twitter)
WhatsApp