Kaduna is one of the oldest states in Nigeria. It was created on May 27, 1967, during the military regime of General Yakubu Gowon, and was initially named North Central State, with Kaduna serving as its capital. However, in 1976, the state was renamed Kaduna State, taking the same name as its capital.
Over the years, Kaduna State has undergone significant changes. In 1987, it was split, and Katsina State was created from its territory.
Kaduna is known for being large, populous and diversity of tribes. It has earned the slogan “The Center of Learning” due to the presence of various educational institutions, including Ahmadu Bello University, one of Nigeria’s most prestigious universities. Popular cities in state include Kaduna which is the capital, Zaria, Atyap chiefdom, Kafanchan, and kagoro. These areas are the most highly populated and busiest in the state. However, exploring today is the news of what makes up Kaduna.
Location
Kaduna is located in north-central Nigeria and shares borders with five states:
- Kano and Katsina states to the north.
- Niger state to the east.
- Plateau state to the south.
- Zamfara state to the west.
The state’s coordinates are 10°20′N latitude and 7°45′E longitude.
Land Area
Kaduna, located in the North Central region of Nigeria, occupies a land area of 46,053 square kilometers, which constitutes approximately 5% of Nigeria’s total land area. It is the fourth-largest state in Nigeria by land area.
 Slogan : Centre of Learning |
|
| Date of Creation: | 27 May 1967 |
| Location | North Central |
| Executive Governor: | Uba Sani |
| Deputy Governor: | Hadiza S. Balarabe |
| Population: | 6.1 million as at 2006 Census |
| Language: | Hausa, Fulani, Gbayi & Others |
| LGA: | 23 |
| Postal Code | 8000014 |
Population of Kaduna State
In addition to its large landmass, Kaduna is also one of the most populous states in Nigeria. According to the 2006 Census, the population of Kaduna was recorded at 6,113,503 (approximately 6 million). A more recent estimate in 2022 indicates the population has grown to 9,032,200, making Kaduna the third-most populous state in Nigeria.
Topography
The topography of Kaduna State is varied, with predominantly flat lowlands made up of loamy, sandy, and clay soils. There are some rocky zones, particularly around Zaria, and the state also features Kogoro Hill, a popular recreational and tourist attraction. The landscape is further shaped by the Kaduna River, which flows through the state. Additionally, the region is traversed by a savannah zone, and the fertile land supports agricultural activities, making the area well-suited for farming.
Vegetation
The Sudan Savannah type of vegetation is widespread in Kaduna State. This type of vegetation is characterized by short trees, grasses, and shrubs, often scattered across the landscape. As a result, tree cover is sparse, and it is difficult to find dense areas of shade.
Climate of the Area
Kaduna State experiences two main climatic seasons: the dry season and the rainy season. During the rainy season, the climate is typically cloudy, humid, and warmer. This period lasts from March to October, a span of about 7 months. August receives the highest rainfall, with an average precipitation of 11.9 inches.
The dry season, which lasts from November to March, is characterized by hotter and partially cloudy conditions, with little to no rainfall. Throughout the year, the temperature in Kaduna rarely falls below 10°C and can rise above 38.9°C during the hottest months.
The People of Kaduna State (Languages/Tribes/Religion)
Kaduna State is an area with people of diverse dialects and ethnicities. It is often referred to as a “Hausa state” because the Hausa dialect is widely spoken in most of the local government areas (LGAs) and it is the largest tribe. Additionally, a significant population speaks Fulani, Gbayi, Atyap, Ham, and other languages, but there are 57 languages spoken within the territory. English remains the official language of communication.
In terms of religion, three major forms of worship are practiced in the state: Islam, Christianity, and traditional religions. The state is also known for significant religious crises that occurred in 2001 and 2002.
Major Occupation
Agriculture contributes 30 percent to Kaduna State’s economy. Farming is the primary occupation of the people in the region. Kaduna has fertile lands for growing crops such as tomatoes, maize, sorghum, millet, groundnuts, and yams, as well as for extracting peanut oil. The state is also renowned for large-scale cotton production due to the abundant presence of cotton in the area. Livestock farming, including goats, cattle rearing, and poultry, is another important activity. Additionally, some people are involved in buying and selling, while others work in the civil service. About 3.3% of Nigeria’s economy comes from Kaduna’s contributions.
List of Local Governments in Kaduna & Their Headquarters
Here are the names and administrative headquarters of the 23 (twenty-three) local government areas in Kaduna state:
| S/N | LGA | Headquarter |
| 1 | Birnin Gwari | Birnin Gwari |
| 2 | Chikun | Chikun |
| 3 | Giwa | Giwa |
| 4 | Igabi | Igabi |
| 5 | Ikara | Ikara |
| 6 | Jaba | Kwoi |
| 7 | Jema’a | Kafanchan |
| 8 | Kachia | Kachia |
| 9 | Kaduna North | Kaduna |
| 10 | Kaduna South | Kaduna |
| 11 | Kagarko | Kagarko |
| 12 | Kajuru | Kajuru |
| 13 | Kaura | Kaura |
| 14 | Kauru | Kauru |
| 15 | Kubau | Kubau |
| 16 | Kudan | Kudan |
| 17 | Lere | Saminaka |
| 18 | Makarfi | Makarfi |
| 19 | Sabon Gari | Sabon Gari |
| 20 | Sanga | Gwantu |
| 21 | Soba | Soba |
| 22 | Zangon Kataf | Zonkwa |
| 23 | Zaria | Zaria |
From the list, the largest local government area in Kaduna State is Birnin Gwari, but it is not the most populated. Birnin Gwari covers a land area of 6,185 square kilometers. The population of the area, according to the 2006 census, is 252,363 persons. This represents 4.13% of the total population of Kaduna State in 2006.
As the largest LGA, Birnin Gwari is divided into 11 (eleven) wards: Dogon Dawa Ward, Gayam Ward, Kakangi Ward, Kazage Ward, Kutemesi Ward, Kuyelo Ward, Magajin Gari I Ward, Magajin Gari II Ward, Magajin Gari III Ward, Randagi Ward, and Tabanni Ward.
However, Zaria is the local government area in Kaduna State with the largest population, totaling 601,300 persons as per the 2022 estimate.
Past Governors of Kaduna State
Since its establishment, Kaduna State has been governed by both military and democratic leaders. Below is a list of these governors, including their names, periods in office, and other relevant details.
Who Was The First Governor Of Kaduna State?
In the history of Kaduna State, Abba Kyari was the first person to serve as governor. This occurred at a time when what is now known as Kaduna was part of the North-Central State. Abba Kyari, with military experience, oversaw the affairs of the region from May 1967 to July 1975.
Born on November 7, 1938, in Dewa, Kyari was a student at Borno Middle High School before moving to the Barewa College. After completing his higher education, he joined the Nigerian Army Cadet in 1959. He then went to Ghana for a cadet training course at the Officer Training School in Teshie. He also attended the former British Army Officer Training School at Aldershot in the United Kingdom, which has since been closed.
Kyari began his career as a platoon commander and later took on the role of transport officer in the 1st Brigade Transport Company of the Nigerian Army. He rose through the military ranks until he became a brigadier. After retiring from the army, he transitioned into a businessman and became the chairman of several establishments. He passed away in 2018.
Who Is The Current Governor Of Kaduna State?
Born on December 31, 1970, Uba Sani is the current executive governor of Kaduna State under the All Progressives Congress party. Sani began his governorship role on May 29, 2023, after winning the gubernatorial election in the state. He won his closest opponent, Isa Ashiru of the PDP, who scored 719,196 votes, with Sani securing 730,002 votes. Consequently, INEC issued a certificate of return to the APC candidate as the governor of Kaduna State.
Uba Sani, an engineer, joins politics as far back as 1996 and was initially a member of the PDP. His first political portfolio was as a Special Adviser on Public Affairs to Nigeria’s President Olusegun Obasanjo. At the federal level, he served as the Senator representing Kaduna Central District from 2019 to 2023 before rising to the position of the number one citizen of Kaduna State.
Who Is Current Deputy Governor of Kaduna State?
Hadiza Sabuwa Balarabe serves as the Deputy Governor of Kaduna State, working alongside Governor Uba Sani. Born in August 1966 in Sanga, a town in the former Northern Region, Hadiza is a medical doctor and Nigerian politician. She graduated from the University of Maiduguri with a degree in Medicine. After withdrawing her ambition to contest the governorship position in 2023, she was selected as the running mate of her current boss, Uba Sani.
List of All Past & Present Governors of Kaduna State
| Name | Title | Period in Office |
| Abba Kyari | Military | 28 May 1967 – Jul 1975 |
| Usman Jibrin | Military | Jul 1975 – 1977 |
| Muktar Muhammed | Military | 1977 – Jul 1978 |
| Ibrahim Mahmud Alfa | Military | Jul 1978 – Oct 1979 |
| Abdulkadir B. Musa | Governor | Oct 1979 – 23 Jun 1981 |
| Abba Musa Rimi | Governor | 6 Jul 1981 – Oct 1983 |
| Lawal Kaita | Governor | Oct 1983 – Dec 1983 |
| Usman Mu’azu | Military | Jan 1984 – Aug 1985 |
| Dangiwa Umar | Military | Aug 1985 – Jun 1988 |
| Abdullahi S. Mukhtar | Military | Jul 1988 – Aug 1990 |
| Abubakar T. Ayuba | Military | Aug 1990 – 2 Jan 1992 |
| Mohammed Dabo Lere | Governor | 2 Jan 1992 – Nov 1993 |
| Lawal Jafaru Isa | Military | 9 Dec 1993 – 22 Aug 1996 |
| Hammed Ali | Military | 22 Aug 1996 – Aug 1998 |
| Umar Farouk Ahmed | Military | Aug 1998 – 29 May 1999 |
| Ahmed Makarfi | Governor | 29 May 1999 – 29 May 2007 |
| Mohammed N. Sambo | Governor | 29 May 2007 – 19 May 2010 |
| Patrick I. Yakowa | Governor | 20 May 2010 – 15 Dec 2012 |
| Mukhtar R. Yero | Governor | 15 Dec 2012 – 29 May 2015 |
| Nasiru A. El-Rufai | Governor | 29 May 2015 – 29 May 2023 |
| Uba Sani | Governor | 29 May 2023 – Current Governor |
Universities/Polytechnic Institutions
There are several higher learning institutions in Kaduna State. While Ahmadu Bello University is the most popular in the area, here are other institutions for those who wish to study in the state.
| Name | Type | Degree Award (Abbreviation) |
| Kaduna | ||
| Kaduna Polytechnic (1968) | Federal | ND, HND |
| Kaduna State University | State | B.Sc, B.A, M.Sc, Ph.D |
| National Open University of Nigeria, Kaduna Study Center | Federal | B.Sc, PGD, M.Sc, Ph.D |
| Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA) | Federal | B.Sc, B.A, M.Sc, Ph.D |
| Greenfield University, Kaduna | Private | B.Sc, B.A |
| Zaria | ||
| Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria | Federal | B.Sc, B.A, M.Sc, Ph.D |
| Federal College of Education, Zaria | Federal | NCE, B.Ed |
| Nigerian College of Aviation Technology, Palladan, Zaria | Federal | Certificates, Diplomas |
| Nuhu Bamalli Polytechnic, Zaria | State | ND, HND |
| Other Institutions | ||
| Air Force Institute of Technology (Nigeria) | Federal | ND, HND, B.Eng, M.Eng |
Popular People from Kaduna
Umar Farouk Abdulmutallab, born on December 22, 1986, is associated with Kaduna State. He is known for his attempted terrorist attack on December 25, 2009, when he tried to detonate explosives attached to his body onboard Northwest Airlines Flight 253, en route from Amsterdam to Detroit, Michigan, USA.
Another notable individual from Kaduna State is Bashir Abubakar, born on December 12, 1962. Before venturing into politics, he served in the Nigerian Customs Service and retired as an Assistant Controller General of Customs (ACG) in 2020. He is currently serving as the Chief Commissioner of the Public Complaints Commission of Nigeria, following his appointment by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Andrew Laah Yakubu, born on September 10, 1955, is a former Group Managing Director of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC). He was appointed to the position by President Goodluck Jonathan and also hails from Kaduna State.
Most Frequently Asked Questions
Who is the Governor of Kaduna State?
The current governor of Kaduna State is Uba Sani, from the All Progressives Congress (APC), while the deputy governor is Hadiza Sabuwa Balarabe.
How many Local Governments are in Kaduna State?
Kaduna State is divided into 23 Local Government Areas (LGAs), as mentioned in the above section.
What Is The Population Of Kaduna State?
From the 2006 census, the population of Kaduna State was recorded as over 6 million. An estimate in 2022 places the population at approximately 9 million, indicating consistent growth.
How to apply for Air Force Institute of Technology (AFIT) Kaduna?
The Air Force Institute of Technology (AFIT) in Kaduna offers admissions to qualified students. To apply, visit the school’s website at www.afit.edu.ng. Read through the eligibility requirements for the program you wish to apply for. AFIT offers diploma, undergraduate, and postgraduate courses. If you meet the requirements, you can purchase the admission form online. Complete the form and submit it. After submission, you will await the screening/exam process. Once the examination is complete, check the school’s website for the admission list.
Leave a Reply