Bauchi (Fula: Leydi Bauchi 𞤤𞤫𞤴𞤣𞤠𞤦𞤢𞤵𞤷𞥅ðž¤) is a state in the North-East geopolitical zone of Nigeria. It shares borders with Jigawa (north), Yobe (northeast), Gombe (east), Taraba and Plateau (south), Kaduna (west), and Kano (northwest). The state capital is Bauchi, named after a historic city. The state was created in 1976 from the former North-Eastern State, with Gombe State carved out in 1996.
Demographics and Geography
- Area: 49,119 km² (5th largest in Nigeria)
- Population (2022 est.): \~8.3 million (5th most populous)
- Vegetation: Sudan savanna (south), Sahel savanna (north), Jos Plateau (southwest)
- Climate: Average rainfall ranges from 700 mm in the north to 1300 mm in the south
Landscape Highlights
- Yankari National Park: Features diverse wildlife like elephants, lions, and buffalo
- Rivers: Gongola, Jama'are
- Dams: Gubi, Tilde-Fulani
- Lakes: Maladumba Lake (Misau LGA)
History
Originally part of the Sokoto Caliphate after the Fulani Jihad of the early 1800s, Bauchi became part of the British Northern Protectorate, later Northern Nigeria. Bauchi was formally created as a state in 1976, with Gombe split off in 1996.
Etymology
Named after Baushe, a hunter who settled in the area before the establishment of the Bauchi Emirate (1800–10).
Local Government Areas (LGAs)
Bauchi State consists of 20 LGAs.
Climate and Environmental Issues
Climate: Hot year-round, oppressive wet season, cooler dry season
- Hottest Month: April (99°F avg. high)
- Coldest Month: January (58°F avg. low)
- Flooding: Over 100 houses destroyed in Darazo LGA (July 2022)
- Air Pollution: Major concern due to particulate matter
- Erosion: Gully erosion affects communities in Alkaleri and Kirfi
Population and Ethnic Groups
- Over 55 ethnic groups, including Gerawa, Sayawa, Jarawa, Bolewa, Kanuri, Butawa
- Religious Breakdown: \~80% Muslim, \~15% Christian, \~5% Traditionalist
- Strong inter-ethnic interaction and cultural diversity
Languages
- West Chadic language groups: North and South Bauchi languages
- Other languages: Ajawa (extinct), Berom, Kanuri, Piya-Kwonci, etc.
Economy
- Main Sectors: Agriculture (cotton, yams, groundnuts, millet, tomatoes), mining (tin, columbite), tourism
- Irrigation and Dams: Boost agricultural production
- Canning & Food Processing: Small-scale industrial base
Education
- Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University (Bauchi)
- Bauchi State University
- Abubakar Tatari Ali Polytechnic
- Federal Polytechnic, Bauchi
- Federal University of Health Science, Azare
Transport
- Roads: Federal Highways A3, A237, A345, and several regional connectors
- Railways: 1067 mm Cape gauge line via Plateau to Gombe
- Airport: Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa International Airport (opened 2014)
Government and Politics
- Governed by a democratically elected Governor and State Assembly
- As of 2019, Governor Bala Mohammed (PDP)
- Deputy Governor: Baba Tela
- Uses modified two-round electoral system
Notable People
- Abubakar Tafawa Balewa – First and only Prime Minister of Nigeria
- Bala Mohammed – Current Governor (since 2019)
- Isa Yuguda – Former Governor (2007–2015)
- Sa'adu Zungur – Poet and revolutionary
- Muhammed Abdullahi Abubakar – Governor (2015–2019)
Tourism and Culture
- Durbar Festival: Major annual attraction
- Yankari National Park: Ecotourism and wildlife reserve
- Wikki Warm Springs: Popular destination within the park
See also
- Bauchi Light Railway
References & External Links
- Official Website of Bauchi State Government(https://www.bauchistate.gov.ng)
- Yankari National Park(https://yankarigamereserve.com)