Bauchi State

{{Redirect|Bauchi|the city in northeast Nigeria|Bauchi (city)|the Nigerian Islamic scholar|Dahiru Usman Bauchi}} {{Short description|State of Nigeria}} {{Use dmy dates|date=February 2026}} {{Use Nigerian English|date=May 2024}} {{Infobox settlement  | name = Bauchi | official_name = | type = State | image_skyline = {{multiple image |perrow = 1/2/2 |border = infobox |total_width = 300 |caption_align = center |image1 = Wikki warm spring in Yankari.jpg |caption1 = Yankari Game Reserve |image2 = Ountside view of Emir of Bauchi Palace.jpg |caption2 = Palace of the Emir of Bauchi |image3 = Central Mosque Azare.jpg |caption3 = Azare Central Mosque |image4 = Kobi Hill, from Wunti street Bauchi.jpg |caption4 = Kobi Hill |image5 = Bauchi state university Gadau.jpg |caption5 = Bauchi State University }} | image_alt = | image_caption = | image_flag = | flag_alt = | image_seal = BAUCHI state coat.png | seal_alt = Seal of Bauchi State | seal_size = 150px | nickname = Pearl of Tourism | image_map = Nigeria - Bauchi.svg | map_alt = | map_caption = Location of Bauchi State in Nigeria | mapsize = 200px | coordinates = {{coord|10|18|24|N|9|48|45|E|region:NG_type:adm1st|display=inline,title}} | coor_pinpoint = | coordinates_footnotes = | subdivision_type = Country | subdivision_name = {{flag|Nigeria}} | established_title = Date created | established_date = 3 February 1976 | seat_type = Capital | seat = Bauchi | government_footnotes = | governing_body = Government of Bauchi State | leader_party = PDP | leader_title = Governor | leader_name = Bala Mohammed | leader_title1 = {{nowrap|Deputy Governor}} | leader_name1 = Auwal Jatau (PDP) | leader_title2 = Legislature | leader_name2 = Bauchi State House of Assembly | leader_title3 = Senators | leader_name3 = {{Nowrap|C: Abdul Ahmed Ningi (PDP)}} {{Nowrap|N: Adamu Bulkachuwa (APC)}} {{Nowrap|S: Lawal Yahaya Gumau (NNPP)}} | leader_title4 = Representatives | leader_name4 = List | unit_pref = Metric | area_footnotes = | area_total_km2 = 45,893 | area_rank = 5th of 36 | area_note = | elevation_footnotes = | elevation_m = | population_footnotes = | population_total = 4,676,465 | population_as_of = 2006 census | population_est = 8,308,800<ref>{{Cite web |title=Bauchi State: Subdivision |url=https://www.citypopulation.de/en/nigeria/admin/NGA005__bauchi/ |access-date=5 February 2024 |website=www.citypopulation.de |archive-date=6 December 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241206033645/https://www.citypopulation.de/en/nigeria/admin/NGA005__bauchi/ |url-status=live }}</ref> | pop_est_as_of = 2022 | population_rank = 7th of 36 | population_density_km2 = auto | population_note = | demographics_type1 = GDP (PPP) | demographics1_footnotes = | demographics1_title1 = Year | demographics1_info1 = 2021 | demographics1_title2 = Total | demographics1_info2 = $17.01 billion<ref name="C-GIDD GDP">{{cite web |date=13 October 2022 |editor-last=Okeowo |editor-first=Gabriel |editor2-last=Fatoba |editor2-first=Iyanuoluwa |title=State of States 2022 Edition |url=https://yourbudgit.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/2022-State-of-states_Official.pdf |access-date=7 March 2023 |website=Budgit.org |publisher=BudgIT |publication-date=13 October 2022 |archive-date=28 March 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240328173232/https://yourbudgit.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/2022-State-of-states_Official.pdf |url-status=live }}</ref> 22nd of 36 | demographics1_title3 = Per capita | demographics1_info3 = $2,194<ref name="C-GIDD GDP"/> 29th of 36 | timezone1 = WAT | utc_offset1 = +01 | postal_code_type = Postal code | postal_code = 740001 | iso_code = NG-BA | blank_name_sec1 = HDI (2022) | blank_info_sec1 = 0.372<ref name="GlobalDataLab">{{Cite web |url=https://hdi.globaldatalab.org/areadata/shdi/ |title=Sub-national HDI - Area Database - Global Data Lab |website=hdi.globaldatalab.org |language=en |access-date=13 September 2018 |archive-date=23 September 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180923120638/https://hdi.globaldatalab.org/areadata/shdi/ |url-status=live }}</ref> {{color|#900|low}} · 35th of 37 | website = [http://www.bauchistate.gov.ng/ www.bauchistate.gov.ng] }}

'''Bauchi''' (Hausa: Jihar Bauchi /Fula: ''Leydi Bauchi'' 𞤤𞤫𞤴𞤣𞤭 𞤦𞤢𞤵𞤷𞥅𞤭) is a state located in northeastern Nigeria. It is bordered by Jigawa to the north, Yobe to the north-east, Gombe to the east, Taraba and Plateau to the south, Kaduna to the west and Kano to the northwest respectfully. It takes its name from the historic city of Bauchi, which also serves as its capital. The state was formed in the year 1976, when the former North-Eastern State was broken up. It originally included the area that is now Gombe State, which became a distinct state in 1996.<ref name=":1" />

Of the 36 states, Bauchi is the fifth largest in area and also the fifth most populous, with an estimated population of over 8,308,800 as of 2022.<ref name=":1">{{Cite web |title=Bauchi (State, Nigeria) - Population Statistics, Charts, Map and Location |url=https://www.citypopulation.de/en/nigeria/admin/NGA005__bauchi/ |access-date=6 July 2024 |website=www.citypopulation.de |archive-date=6 December 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241206033645/https://www.citypopulation.de/en/nigeria/admin/NGA005__bauchi/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Geographically, the state is divided between the West Sudanian savanna in the south and the drier, semi-desert Sahelian savanna in the north with a small part of the montane Jos Plateau in the southwest.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |title=Bauchi {{!}} state, Nigeria {{!}} Britannica |url=https://www.britannica.com/place/Bauchi-state-Nigeria |access-date=27 February 2022 |website=www.britannica.com |language=en |archive-date=11 August 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250811055624/https://www.britannica.com/place/Bauchi-state-Nigeria |url-status=live }}</ref> A key defining characteristic of the state’s landscape is Yankari National Park, a large wildlife park in southern Bauchi State that contains large populations of waterbuck, African buffalo, patas monkey, hippopotamus, roan antelope, and western hartebeest along with some of Nigeria's last remaining West African lion, African leopard and African bush elephant populations.<ref>{{cite web |title=Yankari Game Reserve |url=https://nigeria.wcs.org/Wild-Places/Yankari-Game-Reserve.aspx |website=WCS Nigeria |access-date=14 December 2021 |archive-date=14 December 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211214205221/https://nigeria.wcs.org/Wild-Places/Yankari-Game-Reserve.aspx |url-status=live }}</ref>

What is now Bauchi State has been inhabited for ages by various ethnic groups, including the Bolewa, Butawa, and Warji in the central region; the Fulani, Kanuri, and Karai-Karai in the north; the Bankal, Jaku and Gerawa in and around the city of Bauchi; the Zaar and the Gwak in the south; the Dugurawa in the southeast; and the Jarawa in the southwest. Religiously, the vast majority of the state's population (~80%) are Muslim with Christian and traditionalist minorities at about 15% and 5%, respectively.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Azare Town {{!}} Bauchi State |url=http://www.fmcazare.gov.ng/azare.html |access-date=27 February 2022 |website=www.fmcazare.gov.ng |archive-date=9 January 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220109173102/http://fmcazare.gov.ng/azare.html |url-status=dead }}</ref> Evangelicals are the dominant Christian denomination but there are also adherents of Catholicism. The Anglican Diocese of Bauchi is part of the Province of Jos, within the Church of Nigeria.<ref>{{Cite web |title=The People – Bauchi State Government |url=https://home.bauchistate.gov.ng/the-people/ |access-date=26 June 2025 |language=en-US |archive-date=26 June 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250626114400/https://home.bauchistate.gov.ng/the-people/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

As a major agriculture-based state, the Bauchi State economy partially relies on livestock and crops, such as cotton, groundnuts, millet, tomatoes, and yams with advanced irrigation schemes increasing agricultural production since statehood. Other industries include food processing and canning facilities, tin and columbite mining, and tourism in Yankari National Park and its Wikki Warm Springs.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/56324/Bauchi |title=Bauchi - state, Nigeria |website=britannica.com |access-date=14 December 2021 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141018232704/https://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/56324/Bauchi |archive-date=18 October 2014 }}</ref>

== Etymology == According to tradition, it was named after a hunter known as Baushe, who settled in the region before the arrival of Yakubu, the first traditional ruler of the Bauchi emirate (founded 1800–10).<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/56324/Bauchi |title=Bauchi - state, Nigeria |website=britannica.com |access-date=30 April 2018 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141018232704/https://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/56324/Bauchi |archive-date=18 October 2014 }}</ref> Bauchi and Adamawa were the two main sources of freedom and tourism for the Fulani empire of Sokoto.<ref name="HASJ161">{{cite book |last=Johnston |first=Hugh A.S. |title=The Fulani Empire of Sokoto |publisher=Oxford University Press |year=1967 |isbn=0-19-215428-1 |page=161 }}</ref>

==History== {{See also|Bauchi Emirate}} What is now known as Bauchi was until 1976 a province in the then North-Eastern State of Nigeria. According to the 2006 census, the state has a population of 4,653,066.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Member Countries {{!}} Commonwealth Parliamentary Association Africa Region |url=https://www.cpaafricaregion.or.tz/member-countries/76#:~:text=According%20to%20the%202006%20census,tremendous%20transformation%20over%20the%20years. |access-date=23 October 2023 |website=www.cpaafricaregion.or.tz |archive-date=2 November 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231102074540/https://www.cpaafricaregion.or.tz/member-countries/76#:~:text=According%20to%20the%202006%20census,tremendous%20transformation%20over%20the%20years. |url-status=live }}</ref>

In the early 1800s, the Fulani jihad seized much of modern-day Bauchi State and formed the Bauchi Emirate under the Sokoto Caliphate. About 90 years later, a British expedition occupied the Emirate and incorporated it as Bauchi Province into the Northern Nigeria Protectorate which later merged into British Nigeria before becoming independent as Nigeria in 1960. Originally, modern-day Bauchi State was a part of the post-independence Northern Region until 1967 when the region was split and the area became part of the North-Eastern State.<ref>{{Cite web |date=7 January 2019 |title=Bauchi State |url=https://www.nipc.gov.ng/nigeria-states/bauchi-state/ |access-date=27 February 2022 |website=Nigerian Investment Promotion Commission |language=en-US |archive-date=27 February 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220227141117/https://www.nipc.gov.ng/nigeria-states/bauchi-state/ |url-status=live }}</ref> After the North-Eastern State was split, Bauchi State was formed on 3 February 1976 alongside ten other states.

Twenty years after statehood, a group of LGAs in the state's west was broken off to form the new Gombe State.<ref>{{Cite journal |last1=Sani |first1=Adamu |last2=Saleh |first2=Yuguda |last3=Abdulmalik |first3=Sulaiman |last4=Raymond |first4=Tabale P. |last5=Mshelia |first5=Dahiru S. |date=15 February 2022 |title=Heavy Metal Contents of Sachet Water in Gombe, Nigeria. |journal=Kanem Journal Medical Sciences |volume=15 |issue=2 |pages=1–6 |doi=10.36020/kjms.2021.1502.002 |doi-broken-date=1 July 2025 |issn=2006-4772 |doi-access=free }}</ref>

With the creation of Bauchi State in 1976, then comprising present Bauchi and Gombe State, it included 16 local government areas. The number of local government areas in the then Bauchi State was increased to 20 and later to 23. However, in 1997 when Gombe State was created out of Bauchi and additional local governments were created in the country, Bauchi State was left with 20 local government areas as shown below.<ref>{{Cite web |title=History – BASG |url=https://www.bauchistate.gov.ng/history-2/ |access-date=16 January 2025 |language=en-US |archive-date=14 January 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250114194217/https://www.bauchistate.gov.ng/history-2/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

Bauchi State has gone through a tremendous transformation over the years. The Ajawa language was spoken in Bauchi State, but became extinct by 1940 as speakers shifted to Hausa.<ref>{{e25|ajw|Ajawa }}</ref> Sharia law was adopted in June 2001.<ref name="IRB">{{cite web |url=http://www.irb-cisr.gc.ca/en/research/publications/index_e.htm?docid=70&cid=161&version=printable&disclaimer=show&sec=CH05 |title=Issue Paper:Nigéria / Protection offerte par l'état |access-date=8 July 2008 |work=irb-cisr.gc.ca |publisher=Research Directorate of the Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada, April 2003 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050320131003/http://www.irb-cisr.gc.ca/en/research/publications/index_e.htm?docid=70&cid=161&version=printable&disclaimer=show&sec=CH05 |archive-date=20 March 2005 }}</ref>

==Local Government Areas== {{See also|List of villages in Bauchi State}} Bauchi State consists of twenty Local Government Areas (LGAs). They are: [[File:Water buck (Kobus ellipsiprymnus) -Yankari game reserve, Bauchi State (1).jpg|300px|thumb|Yankari National Park]] {| class="sortable wikitable" |- ! LGA ! Area (km2) ! Census 2006 population ! Administrative capital ! Postal code |- | Bauchi | align="right"|3,687 | align="right"|493,810 | Bauchi | 740 |- | Tafawa Balewa | align="right"|2,515 | align="right"|219,988 | T/Balewa | 740 |- | Dass | align="right"|535 | align="right"|89,943 | Dass | 740 |- | Toro | align="right"|6,932 | align="right"|350,404 | Toro | 740 |- | Bogoro | align="right"|894 | align="right"|84,215 | Bogoro | 741 |- | Ningi | align="right"|4,625 | align="right"|387,192 | Ningi | 742 |- | Warji | align="right"|625 | align="right"|114,720 | Warji | 742 |- | Ganjuwa | align="right"|5,059 | align="right"|280,468 | Kafin Madaki | 742 |- | Kirfi | align="right"|2,371 | align="right"|147,618 | Kirfi | 743 |- | Alkaleri | align="right"|5,918 | align="right"|329,424 | Alkaleri | 743 |- | ''Southern region totals'' | align="right"|''33,161'' | align="right"|''2,497,782'' | | |- | Darazo | align="right"|3,015 | align="right"|251,597 | Darazo | 750 |- | Misau | align="right"|1,226 | align="right"|263,487 | Misau | 750 |- | Giade | align="right"|668 | align="right"|156,969 | Giade | 750 |- | Shira | align="right"|1,321 | align="right"|234,014 | Yana | 750 |- | Jamaare | align="right"|493 | align="right"|176,883 | Jamaare | 751 |- | Katagum | align="right"|1,436 | align="right"|295,970 | Azare | 751 |- | Itas/Gadau | align="right"|1,398 | align="right"|229,996 | Itas | 751 |- | Zaki | align="right"|1,476 | align="right"|191,457 | Katagum | 752 |- | Gamawa | align="right"|2,925 | align="right"|286,388 | Gamawa | 752 |- | Damban | align="right"|1,077 | align="right"|150,922 | Damban | 752 |- | ''Northern region totals'' | align="right"|''15,035'' | align="right"|''2,178,683'' | | |}

==Geography== Bauchi State occupies a total land area of {{cvt|49119|km2}} representing about 5.3% of Nigeria's total land mass and is located between latitudes 9° 3' and 12° 3' north and longitudes 8° 50' and 11° east.

The state is bordered by seven states, Jigawa to the north, Taraba for 54 km and Plateau for {{cvt|360|km}} to the south, Gombe for {{cvt|277|km}} to the east, Yobe for {{cvt|188|km}} to the north-east, Kaduna to the west for {{cvt|32|km}}, and Kano for {{cvt|131|km}} to the north-west.<ref>distances from Google Maps</ref>

Bauchi state is one of the states in the northern part of Nigeria that span two distinctive vegetation zones, namely, the Sudan savannah and the Sahel savannah. The Sudan savannah type of vegetation covers the southern part of the state. Here, the vegetation gets richer and richer towards the south, especially along water sources or rivers, but generally, the vegetation is less uniform and grasses are shorter than what grows even farther south, that is, in the forest zone of the middle belt.

The Sahel type of savannah, also known as semi-desert vegetation, becomes manifest from the middle of the state as one moves from the state's south to its north. This type of vegetation comprises isolated stands of thorny shrubs.

On the other hand, the southwestern part of the state is mountainous as a result of the continuation of the Jos Plateau, while the northern part is generally sandy.

The vegetation types as described above are conditioned by the climatic factors, which in turn determine the amount of rainfall received in the area. For instance, the rainfall in Bauchi state ranges between {{convert|1300|mm}} per annum in the south and only {{convert|700|mm}} per annum in the extreme north. This pattern is because in the West Africa sub-region, rains generally come from the south as they are carried by the south-westerlies. There is therefore a progressive dryness towards the north, culminating in the desert condition in the far north. So also is the case in Bauchi state. 300px|thumb|Sumu Wildlife Park Consequently, rains start earlier in the southern part of the state, where rain is heaviest and lasts longer. Here the rains start in April with the highest record amount of {{convert|1300|mm}} per annum. In contrast, the northern part of the state receives the rains late, usually around June or July, and records the highest amount of {{convert|700|mm}} per annum.

In the same vein, the weather experienced in the south and the north varies considerably. While it is humidly hot during the early part of the rainy season in the south, the hot, dry and dusty weather lingers up north.

In addition to rainfall, Bauchi state is watered by a number of rivers. They include the Gongola and Jama'are rivers.

The Gongola River crosses Bauchi state in Tafawa Balewa Local Government Area in the south and in Kirfi and Alkaleri Local Government Areas in the eastern part of the state, while the Jama’are River cuts across a number of Local Government Areas in the northern part of the state. Moreover, a substantial part of the Hadeja-Jama'are River basin lies in Bauchi state, which along with various fadama (floodplain) areas in the state provides suitable land for agricultural activities. These are further supported by the number of dams meant for irrigation and other purposes. These include the Gubi and Tilde-Fulani dams. There are also lakes such as the Maladumba Lake in Misau Local Government Area that further provide the necessary conditions to support agriculture.

===Climate===

Bauchi has an oppressive wet season while the dry season is partly cloudy, and it is hot year-round. Over the year, the temperature also varies.<ref> {{Cite web |title=Bauchi Climate, Weather By Month, Average Temperature (Nigeria) - Weather Spark |url=https://weatherspark.com/y/61868/Average-Weather-in-Bauchi-Nigeria-Year-Round |access-date=30 June 2023 |website=weatherspark.com |language=en |archive-date=30 June 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230630173424/https://weatherspark.com/y/61868/Average-Weather-in-Bauchi-Nigeria-Year-Round |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Bauchi Annual Weather Averages |url=https://www.worldweatheronline.com/bauchi-weather/bauchi/ng.aspx |access-date=30 June 2023 |website=WorldWeatherOnline.com |language=en |archive-date=30 June 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230630173920/https://www.worldweatheronline.com/bauchi-weather/bauchi/ng.aspx |url-status=live }}</ref>

Like every other state in Nigeria, Bauchi state has not been spared in devastating effects of climate change. On 11 July 2022, the acting Director-general of the Bauchi State Emergency Management Agency (BASEMA), Mr Bala Lame, said "No fewer than 100 houses and several farmlands have been destroyed by devastating floods in Darazo LGA of the state". This he attributed to flooding after three days of persistent rainfall in the area.<ref> {{Cite news |date=18 July 2022 |title=Climate Watch: Flood destroys 100 houses, farmlands in Bauchi |url=https://www.thecable.ng/climate-watch-flood-destroys-100-houses-farmlands-in-bauchi |access-date=30 November 2022 |newspaper=TheCable|language=en-US |archive-date=30 November 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221130141235/https://www.thecable.ng/climate-watch-flood-destroys-100-houses-farmlands-in-bauchi |url-status=live }} </ref> The average annual temperature ranges from {{convert|57 to 100|F|C|order=flip}}, with occasional exceptions when it falls below 10.5°C/51°F or rises over 40°C/104°F.

The greatest time of year to visit Bauchi for warm-weather activities, according to the tourist score, is from early December to early February.

From 28 February to 10 May is the hot season, which lasts 2.5 months and has an average daily high temperature of over 96 °F. Averaging a high of 99 °F and a low of 74 °F, April is the hottest month of the year in Bauchi.

From 15 July to 1 October, the cool season, which has an average daily high temperature below 86 °F, lasts for 2.6 months. With an average low of 58 °F and high of 90 °F, January is the coldest month of the year in Bauchi.<ref name=":0" />

== Air pollution == Particulate matter, which has a diameter of less than 10 microns and is 1/7th the thickness of a human hair, is a significant source of air pollution in Bauchi. These particles, which can include smoke, soot, dust, salt, acids, and metals, pose a serious threat to health because they may be inhaled into the deepest parts of the lungs.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Air Quality & Pollen Forecast for Bauchi |url=https://www.meteoblue.com/en/weather/outdoorsports/airquality/bauchi_nigeria_2347470 |access-date=21 September 2023 |website=meteoblue |language=en |archive-date=19 October 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231019014001/https://www.meteoblue.com/en/weather/outdoorsports/airquality/bauchi_nigeria_2347470 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=21 September 2023 |title=Bauchi Air Quality Index (AQI) and Nigeria Air Pollution {{!}} IQAir |url=https://www.iqair.com/ae/nigeria/bauchi |access-date=21 September 2023 |website=www.iqair.com |language=en |archive-date=19 October 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231019014003/https://www.iqair.com/ae/nigeria/bauchi |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Air Quality and Pollen in Bauchi, Bauchi State, Nigeria {{!}} Tomorrow.io |url=https://www.tomorrow.io/weather/NG/BA/Bauchi/076796/health/ |access-date=21 September 2023 |website=Tomorrow.io Weather |language=en |archive-date=19 October 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231019014002/https://www.tomorrow.io/weather/NG/BA/Bauchi/076796/health/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

== Erosion == Gully erosion, which has swept away bridges, culverts, and homes, is causing alarm among residents of the settlements of Alkaleri and Kirfi in Bauchi State.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Nabordo |first=Muhammad Alabira |date=28 August 2023 |title=Residents of Bauchi communities panic as erosion washes away bridges, threatens houses |url=https://www.premiumtimesng.com/regional/nnorth-east/618306-residents-of-bauchi-communities-panic-as-erosion-washes-away-bridges-threatens-houses.html |access-date=4 October 2023 |newspaper=Premium Times|language=en-GB |archive-date=19 October 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231019014001/https://www.premiumtimesng.com/regional/nnorth-east/618306-residents-of-bauchi-communities-panic-as-erosion-washes-away-bridges-threatens-houses.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Abdulhamid |first=Hafsat |date=4 August 2020 |title=Erosion threatening our lives - Bauchi community |url=https://dailypost.ng/2020/08/04/erosion-threatening-our-lives-bauchi-community/ |location=Lagos, Nigeria|access-date=4 October 2023 |newspaper=Daily Post|language=en-US |archive-date=19 October 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231019014003/https://dailypost.ng/2020/08/04/erosion-threatening-our-lives-bauchi-community/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

==Population== Bauchi State has a total of 55 tribal groups which include Gerawa, Sayawa, Jarawa, Kirfawa, Turawa Bolewa, Karai-Karai, Kanuri, Fa'awa, Butawa, Warjawa, Zulawa, Boyawa MBadawa.

There are cultural similarities in the people's language, occupational practices, festivals, dress and there is a high degree of ethnic interaction especially in marriage and economic existence. Some of the ethnic groups have joking relationships that exist between them, e.g. Fulani and Kanuri, Jarawa and Sayawa, etc.

The Durbar Festival is a major annual attraction.<ref>{{cite web |title=A 100-Year-Old Muslim Festival of Horse Riding |url=https://folio.ng/a-100-year-old-muslim-festival-of-horse-riding/ |website=Folio Nigeria |access-date=17 August 2020 |archive-date=17 August 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200817082951/https://folio.ng/a-100-year-old-muslim-festival-of-horse-riding/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

== Education == The Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University<ref>{{Cite web |last=keetu |date=8 March 2018 |title=List Of Accredited Courses Offered In ATBU Bauchi |url=https://schoolings.org/list-of-accredited-courses-offered-in-atbu-bauchi/ |access-date=6 August 2021 |language=en-US |archive-date=6 August 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210806160459/https://schoolings.org/list-of-accredited-courses-offered-in-atbu-bauchi/ |url-status=live }}</ref> is located in the capital city Bauchi. Other educational institutions located in the state include Bauchi State University,<ref>{{Cite web |date=9 October 2020 |title=List Of BASUG Courses and Programmes Offered - MySchoolGist |url=https://www.myschoolgist.com/ng/basug-courses/ |access-date=6 August 2021 |website=www.myschoolgist.com |language=en |archive-date=6 August 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210806161043/https://www.myschoolgist.com/ng/basug-courses/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Abubakar Tatari Ali Polytechnic,<ref>{{Cite news |date=16 January 2018 |title=Bauchi poly secures accreditation for 53 courses |url=http://thenationonlineng.net/bauchi-poly-secures-accreditation-53-courses/ |location=Lagos, Nigeria|access-date=27 March 2019 |archive-date=27 March 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190327153423/http://thenationonlineng.net/bauchi-poly-secures-accreditation-53-courses/ |url-status=live |newspaper=The Nation}}</ref> Federal Polytechnic, Bauchi<ref>{{Cite web |last=keetu |date=23 November 2017 |title=List Of Accredited Courses Offered In Federal Poly Bauchi |url=https://schoolings.org/list-of-courses-offered-in-federal-poly-bauchi/ |access-date=6 August 2021 |language=en-US |archive-date=6 August 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210806161544/https://schoolings.org/list-of-courses-offered-in-federal-poly-bauchi/ |url-status=live }}</ref> and Federal university of health science Azare.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Federal University Of Health Sciences Azare Matriculate 760 Pioneer Students {{!}} Independent Newspaper Nigeria |url=https://independent.ng/federal-university-of-health-sciences-azare-matriculate-760-pioneer-students/ |access-date=25 December 2023 |website=independent.ng |date=18 January 2023 |archive-date=25 December 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231225202713/https://independent.ng/federal-university-of-health-sciences-azare-matriculate-760-pioneer-students/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

== Transport ==

Federal Highways:

* A3 northeast from Plateau State at Rafin Jaki for 294 km via Bauchi, Darazo, and Lanpo to Yobe State at Baino as part of the Dakar-Ndjamena Trans-Sahelian Highway (Trans-African 5). * A237 (as part of the Dakar-Ndjamena Trans-Sahelian Highway or TAH 5) east from Jigawa State near Garwa for 90 km as the Kano-Kari Rd via Zigau, Yana, Giade and Misau to A3 at Kari. * A345 as the Bachi-Bara-Gombe Rd east from Bauchi for 117 km via Alkaleri and Bara to Gombe State at Lariski.

Other major roads:

* the Yana-Azare Rd north from A237 at Yana to Azare. * the Azare-Katagum Rd north from Azare via Gadau, Chibiyyi and Sakwa to Katagum. * southeast from Katagum via Gamawa and Lafia to Yobe State at Zindiwa. * the Azare-Potiskum Rd east from Azare via Bulkachuwa, Damban and Dagauda to Yobe State. * the Alkeleri-Kirfi Rd north from A345 at Budawaire along the east bank of the Gongola River to Gombe State as the Kunde-Riban-Gau Rd. * the Ningi Rd north from A3 in Bauchi via Kafin Madaki to Miya. * The Miya-Warji Rd north from Miya via Baima * the Warji-Gwaram Rd east to Jigawa State * the Jengre-Ningi Rd north from Plateau State at Zarya to Ningi. * the Ningi-Zakara Rd east to Zakara where the Zakara-Miya Rd continues east. * the Ningi-Shamaki Rd north to Jigawa State at Shabaki. * the Munchia-Zanabi-Jerkoya-Matugiwa Rd. * The Lumbu-Fulani Rd east via Jigawa and Gwom to Shabaki. * northeast from A3 at Darazo to Jigawa State at Basirka.

Railways:

* The 1067 mm Cape gauge Eastern Line east from Jos in Plateau State to Gombe State.

Airport:

* Bauchi Airport Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa International Airport, 23 km north of Bauchi, near the village of Durum, replaced Bauchi Airport in 2014, with regular services to Abuja.

==Languages== West Chadic language groups spoken in Bauchi State:<ref name="BlenchAtlas4">{{Cite book |title=An Atlas of Nigerian Languages |last=Blench |first=Roger |publisher=Kay Williamson Educational Foundation |year=2019 |edition=4th |location=Cambridge }}</ref>

*North Bauchi languages *South Bauchi languages

Languages of Bauchi State listed by LGA:<ref name=e25>[https://www.ethnologue.com/country/NG Nigeria] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200219232852/https://www.ethnologue.com/country/NG |date=19 February 2020 }} in {{e25 }}</ref>

{| class="wikitable" ! LGA !! Languages |- | Alkaleri || Dass; Bole; Duguri; Giiwo; Guruntum-Mbaaru; Labir; Tangale |- | Bauchi || Bankal; Duguri; Dulbu; Galambu; Gera; Geruma; Giiwo; Guruntum-Mbaaru; Ju; Kir-Balar; Labir; Luri; Mangas; Mbat; Pa'a; Polci; Shiki; Tala; Zangwal |- | Bogoro || Sayawa(Za'ar) |- | Dambam || Karai-karai |- | Darazo || Bole; Deno; Diri; Giiwo; Mburku; Ngamo; Zumbun |- | Dass || Bankal; Dass; Gwak; Polci; Saya; Shall-Zwall; Zari |- | Dukku || Bole |- | Gamawa || Karai-karai |- | Ganjuwa || Ciwogai; Gera; Geruma; Jimi; Kariya; Kubi; Miya |- | Kirfi || Bure |- | Misau || Fulato/Borno; Shuwa; Kanuri; Hausa; Fulani; Karai-karai |- | Ningi || Diri; Gamo-Ningi; Kudu-Camo; Pa'a; Siri; Warji; Geruma |- | Tafawa Balewa || Sur; Vaghat-Ya-Bijim-Legeri; Zari; Bankal; Gwak; Izere; Sayawa(Za'ar) |- | Toro || Bankal; Dass; Geji; Geruma; Gwa; Gyem; Iguta; Izere; Jere; Lame; Lemoro; Mawa; Panawa; Polci; Sanga; Saya; Shau; Tunzuii; Zari; Zeem; Ziriya |- | Zaki || Bade |}

Other languages of Bauchi State are Ajawa, Beele, Berom, Kanuri, Kwaami, Manga, Pero, and Piya-Kwonci.<ref name=e25/>

== Government == ''See also'': List of governors of Bauchi State

Like all Nigerian states, the executive arm of the state government is headed by a governor who is eligible for a re-election once.

As at 2019, the governor of Bauchi State is Bala Mohammed, who emerged victorious in the 9 March 2019 Governorship election with the political party PDP. He was sworn in on 29 May 2019, making him the 6th democratic governor of Bauchi State and the 16th governor of Bauchi State overall. Baba Tela serves as the deputy governor of Bauchi State.<ref>{{Cite news |date=29 May 2019 |title=Huge Crowd Gather for Bala Mohammed's Inauguration in Bauchi |url=https://www.thisdaylive.com/index.php/2019/05/29/huge-crowd-gather-for-bala-mohammeds-inauguration-in-bauchi/ |access-date=1 April 2022 |newspaper=This Day|language=en-US |archive-date=1 April 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220401162148/https://www.thisdaylive.com/index.php/2019/05/29/huge-crowd-gather-for-bala-mohammeds-inauguration-in-bauchi/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Nigerian States |url=https://www.worldstatesmen.org/Nigeria_federal_states.htm |access-date=2 April 2022 |website=www.worldstatesmen.org |archive-date=28 May 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100528072649/https://www.worldstatesmen.org/Nigeria_federal_states.htm |url-status=live }}</ref>

== Politics == The State government is led by a democratically elected governor who works closely with members of the state's House of Assembly. The Capital city of the State is Bauchi.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Oguntola |first=Tunde |date=27 September 2022 |title=2023: Next President, Govs Must Get Two-thirds Spread, Says INEC |url=https://leadership.ng/2023-next-president-govs-must-get-two-thirds-spread-says-inec/ |access-date=24 February 2023 |language=en-US |newspaper=Leadership |archive-date=11 May 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250511002311/https://leadership.ng/2023-next-president-govs-must-get-two-thirds-spread-says-inec/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

The electoral system of to the state is selected using a modified two-round system. To be elected in the first round, a candidate must receive the plurality of the vote and over 25% of the vote in at least two-thirds of the State local government Areas. If no candidate passes the threshold, a second round will be held between the top candidate and the next candidate to have received a plurality of votes in the highest number of local government Areas.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Oguntola |first=Tunde |date=27 September 2022 |title=2023: Next President, Govs Must Get Two-thirds Spread, Says INEC |url=https://leadership.ng/2023-next-president-govs-must-get-two-thirds-spread-says-inec/ |access-date=24 February 2023 |language=en-US |newspaper=Leadership |archive-date=11 May 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250511002311/https://leadership.ng/2023-next-president-govs-must-get-two-thirds-spread-says-inec/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

== Emirates and Chiefdoms == Currently, there are twenty (20) traditional institutions in Bauchi State comprising 19 emirates and 1 chiefdom as follows:<ref>{{Cite web |title=Bauchi moves to create fresh 13 emirates, others – Bauchi State Government |url=https://home.bauchistate.gov.ng/bauchi-moves-to-create-fresh-13-emirates-others/ |access-date=23 October 2025 |language=en-US |archive-date=14 November 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251114180040/https://home.bauchistate.gov.ng/bauchi-moves-to-create-fresh-13-emirates-others/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Bello |first=Hafsat |date=22 October 2025 |title=Bauchi Gov creates 13 new emirates, over 100 district heads |url=https://dailypost.ng/2025/10/22/bauchi-gov-creates-13-new-emirates-over-100-district-heads/ |location=Lagos, Nigeria|access-date=23 October 2025 |newspaper=Daily Post|language=en-US }}</ref> {| class="wikitable sortable" ! S/N ! Name ! Headquarters ! Local Government Area (LGA) |- | 1 || Bauchi Emirate || Bauchi || Bauchi |- | 2 || Katagum Emirate || Azare || Katagum |- | 3 || Misau Emirate || Misau || Misau |- | 4 || Ningi Emirate || Ningi || Ningi |- | 5 || Jama’are Emirate || Jama’are || Jama’are |- | 6 || Dass Emirate || Dass || Dass |- | 7 || Burra Emirate || Burra || Ningi |- | 8 || Dambam Emirate || Dambam || Dambam |- | 9 || Darazo Emirate || Darazo || Darazo |- | 10 || Duguri Emirate || Yuli || Alkaleri |- | 11 || Gamawa Emirate || Gamawa || Gamawa |- | 12 || Giade Emirate || Giade || Giade |- | 13 || Toro Emirate || Toro || Toro |- | 14 || Warji Emirate || Katangar Warji || Warji |- | 15 || Ari Emirate || Gadar Maiwa || Itas/Gadau |- | 16 || Jama’a Emirate (Bauchi State) || Nabardo || Toro |- | 17 || Lame Emirate || Gumau || Toro |- | 18 || Bununu Emirate || Bununu || Tafawa Balewa |- | 19 || Lere Emirate (Bauchi State) || Lere || Tafawa Balewa |- | 20 || Zaar Chiefdom || Mhrim || Tafawa Balewa |}

== Notable people == * Abubakar Tafawa Balewa, first and only Prime Minister of Nigeria * Jude Rabo, vice-chancellor of Federal University, Wukari * Sa'adu Zungur, poet and revolutionary * Bala Muhammed, (born 1958) Nigerian politician and the Bauchi state Governor since 2019.<ref>{{Cite web |date=23 March 2024 |title=Bauchi: Gov Mohammed Grants Pardon To 96 Inmates {{!}} Independent Newspaper Nigeria |url=https://independent.ng/bauchi-gov-mohammed-grants-pardon-to-96-inmates/ |access-date=23 March 2024 |language=en-GB |archive-date=23 March 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240323112536/https://independent.ng/bauchi-gov-mohammed-grants-pardon-to-96-inmates/ |url-status=live }}</ref> * Muhammed Abdullahi Abubakar (born 1956) former Bauchi state Governor from 2015 to 2019.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Ayo-Aderele |first=Adesola |date=18 March 2019 |title=Bauchi Gov Abubakar visits Aso Villa, meets Buhari over governorship polls results |url=https://punchng.com/breaking-bauchi-gov-abubakar-visits-aso-rock-meets-president-buhari/ |access-date=23 March 2024 |newspaper=The Punch|language=en-US }}</ref> * Isa Yuguda, (born 1956) a Nigerian politician and former Bauchi State Governor from 2007 to 2015.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Ibrahim |first=Kamal |date=17 December 2023 |title=Gov Mohammed, Yuguda Receive Honorary Degrees From State Varsity |url=https://leadership.ng/gov-mohammed-yuguda-receive-honorary-degrees-from-state-varsity/ |access-date=23 March 2024 |language=en-US |newspaper=Leadership |archive-date=23 March 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240323114144/https://leadership.ng/gov-mohammed-yuguda-receive-honorary-degrees-from-state-varsity/ |url-status=live }}</ref> * Dahiru Mohammed, a Nigerian politician and former Bauchi State Governor * Adamu Mu'azu, a Nigerian politician and former Bauchi State Governor * Yayale Ahmed, a Nigerian politician and civil servant * Zainab Bulkachuwa, a Nigerian judge * Ahmed Aliyu Jalam, a Nigerian politician and former Bauchi State Commissionera == See also == * Bauchi Light Railway

==Gallery== <Gallery> Emire of Bauchi.jpg Bauchi state university senate building.jpg Bauchi 2.jpg Bauchi state university Gadau.jpg A lake within a farm at Bauchi, Nigeria.jpg Emir Palace Bauchi.jpg Water buck (Kobus ellipsiprymnus) -Yankari game reserve, Bauchi State (1).jpg Emir of Bauchi Main Palace.jpg Images of Yankari Games Reserve Bauchi 01.jpg Images of Yankari Games Reserve Bauchi 04.jpg Inside images of Yankari Games Reserve Bauchi Nigeria 01.jpg Bauchi State College of Agriculture.jpg Bauchi State Ministry of Housing.jpg Babban Gwani.jpg Bauchi State Library Sign board.jpg

</Gallery>

==References== {{Reflist}}

==External links== * {{official website|http://www.bauchistate.gov.ng/}}

Category:Bauchi State Category:States of Nigeria Category:States and territories established in 1976 Category:1976 establishments in Nigeria