As far as the creation of states is concerned, Kano is one of the pioneer states in Nigeria. It is as old as Kaduna State, as both were established on the same day, along with several other states in the country. Under the leadership of General Yakubu Gowon, the military head of state, Kano was created on May 27, 1967, when the former Northern Region was divided to form Kano and other neighboring states.
The capital city is still called Kano, and its slogan is the ‘Centre of Commerce’. Notably, Kano is the largest city in the state. After Lagos, Kano is the second most populous city in Nigeria. Other popular cities in Kano include Wudil, Bichi, Kura, and Garun Malam.
Location
Kano is located in the northern part of Nigeria. It shares boundaries with the following four neighboring states:
- Katsina State – 210 kilometers to the northwest
- Jigawa State – 355 kilometers to the northeast
- Bauchi State – about 331 kilometers to the southeast
- Kaduna State – 255 kilometers to the southwest
Kano is situated at the coordinates 11°30′N, 8°30′E.
Land Area
The total land area of Kano State is 20,131 square kilometers. It is the 20th largest out of the 36 states in terms of surface area. Kano represents 2.81% of Nigeria’s total land area.
![]() Nickname: Home of Solid Minerals |
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Date of Creation: | 27 May 1967 |
Location | North Central |
Executive Governor: | Abba Kabir Yusuf |
Deputy Governor: | Aminu Abdussalam Gwarzo |
Population: | 9.4 million as at 2006 Census |
Language: | Hausa, Fulani and others |
LGA: | 44 |
Postal Code | 700001 |
What is The Population?
According to the 2006 National Census, the population of Kano State was recorded at 9,401,288 (approximately 9 million), making it the most populous state in Nigeria. A population estimate in 2022 put the state’s population at 15,462,200 (approximately 15 million), maintaining its position as the most populous state in Nigeria.
Topography
Kano State’s topography is shaped by woodland savannah in the south and scrub vegetation in the north. The soil is predominantly sandy, which supports the cultivation of cash crops and other agricultural plants. The Kano-Hadejia river system is an important feature of the state’s landscape.
Vegetation
The vegetation of Kano State includes both Guinea and Sudan savannah. The northern Guinea savannah has short trees and open woodland, while the southern Guinea savannah has taller grasses. The Sudanian savannah features scattered trees in open grassland. Common species include Adansonia digitata, Vitex doniana, Diospyros mespiliformis, Tamarindus indica, and others.
Climate condition
Kano State experiences a tropical climate, characterized by distinct dry and rainy seasons. The wet season is usually cloudy and humid, while the dry period is often hot and clouded. The rainfall lasts up to six months, typically from April 13th to October 22nd. August typically receives the highest average rainfall, with 177.8 mm. The dry months last from November to April, with little to no rainfall, hot dry air, and low humidity levels. May is the hottest month, with an average low of 75°F and a high of 99°F. Overall, the average temperature during the hot season fluctuates between 25°C and 40°C. Daytime temperatures are usually higher than nighttime temperatures. The harmattan period, which carries dry air from the Sahara Desert, occurs during the hot season. The best time to visit Kano is from early December to the end of January, with January being the coldest month, with an average high of 87°F and a low of 54°F.
The People of Kano
Kano State is made up of various tribes. The Hausa are the most predominant, especially in the Municipal and Bebeji areas, followed by the Fulani and other dialect groups. British English is the universal and official means of communication, particularly for non-indigenes.
Religiously, the state is predominantly Muslim, with about 99% of the population being followers of Islam. There is, however, a small Christian community. If you are Christian, Kano City and Bebeji are likely places to find people of the same faith. The Catholic Diocese of Kano is one of the main Christian fellowships where worshippers gather.
The 44 Kano Local Government Areas
The table below shows the list of LGAs in Kano State.
LGA Name | Postal Code | Population |
Fagge | 700 | 200,095 |
Dala | 700 | 418,759 |
Gwale | 700 | 357,827 |
Kano Municipal | 700 | 371,243 |
Tarauni | 700 | 221,844 |
Nassarawa | 700 | 596,411 |
Kumbotso | 700 | 294,391 |
Ungogo | 700 | 365,737 |
Kano Metropolitan Area | 700 | 2,828,861 |
Dawakin Tofa | 701 | 246,197 |
Tofa | 701 | 98,603 |
Rimin Gado | 701 | 103,371 |
Bagwai | 701 | 161,533 |
Gezawa | 702 | 282,328 |
Gabasawa | 702 | 211,204 |
Minjibir | 702 | 219,611 |
Dambatta | 702 | 210,474 |
Makoda | 702 | 220,094 |
Kunchi | 703 | 110,170 |
Bichi | 703 | 278,309 |
Tsanyawa | 703 | 157,730 |
Shanono | 704 | 139,128 |
Gwarzo | 704 | 183,624 |
Karaye | 704 | 144,045 |
Rogo | 704 | 227,607 |
Kabo | 704 | 153,158 |
Northern Kano State | 704 | 3,143,899 |
Bunkure | 710 | 174,467 |
Kibiya | 710 | 138,618 |
Rano | 710 | 148,276 |
Tudun Wada | 710 | 228,658 |
Doguwa | 710 | 150,645 |
Madobi | 711 | 137,685 |
Kura | 711 | 143,094 |
Garun Mallam | 711 | 118,622 |
Bebeji | 711 | 191,916 |
Kiru | 711 | 267,168 |
Sumaila | 712 | 250,379 |
Garko | 712 | 161,966 |
Takai | 712 | 202,639 |
Albasu | 712 | 187,639 |
Gaya | 713 | 207,419 |
Ajingi | 713 | 172,610 |
Wudil | 713 | 188,639 |
Warawa | 713 | 131,858 |
Dawakin Kudu | 713 | 225,497 |
Southern Kano State | 710 to 713 | 3,410,922 |
The largest LGA in landmass is Southern Kano State, with a total surface area of 11,554 square kilometers. It also has the largest population of 3.4 million, according to the 2006 census.
List of Governors of Kano State
This table shows both military and civilian governors of Kano State, their names, title and years in office.
Name | Title | Period in Office |
Audu Bako | Military | May 1967 – July 1975 |
Sani Bello | Military | July 1975 – Sept 1978 |
Ishaya Shekari | Military | Sept 1978 – Oct 1979 |
Abubakar Rimi | Civilian | Oct 1979 – May 1983 |
Abdu Tofa | Civilian | May 1983 – Oct 1983 |
Sabo Zuwo | Civilian | Oct 1983 – Dec 1983 |
Hamza Abdullahi | Military Governor | Jan 1984 – Aug 1985 |
Ahmed Daku | Military Governor | Aug 1985 – 1987 |
Mohammed Umaru | Military Governor | Dec 1987 – July 1988 |
Idris Garba | Military Governor | Aug 1988 – Jan 1992 |
Kabiru Gaya | Civilian | Jan 1992 – Nov 1993 |
Muhammadu Wase | Military Admin. | Dec 1993 – June 1996 |
Dominic Oneya | Military Admin. | Aug 1996 – Sept 1998 |
Aminu Kontagora | Military Admin. | Sept 1998 – May 1999 |
Rabiu Kwankwaso | Civilian | May 1999 – May 2003 |
Ibrahim Shekarau | Civilian | May 2003 – May 2011 |
Rabiu Kwankwaso | Civilian | May 2011 – May 2015 |
Abdullahi Ganduje | Civilian | May 2015 – May 2023 |
Abba Yusuf | Civilian | May 2023 – Incumbent |
Who Was the First Governor of Kano State?

The first Governor of Kano State was Audu Bako. He was appointed by General Yakubu Gowon, who was the Head of State at that time. Before the creation of Kano State, the region was part of the Northern Region. Audu Bako assumed office on May 28, 1967, and served until 1975.
The military governor, born on November 24, 1924, attended Kaduna Government Secondary School and Zaria Middle School. Following in his father’s footsteps—who was also a police officer—Bako pursued a career in law enforcement. In 1942, he gained admission into Kaduna Police College, where he later became an instructor in police law. Over time, he rose through the ranks and attained the position of Commissioner of Police.
Achievements as Military Governor
As a Military Governor of Kano State, Audu Bako implemented reforms that are still benefiting the state today. One of his key contributions was reforming the local government system. Previously, local governments were primarily under the control of the Emirs, but Bako transferred some of their powers to the state government. This reform ensured professionalism in local government administration while allowing Emirs to focus on their roles as traditional rulers.
Bako was also responsible for the establishment of major government structures that exist in present-day Kano State. He was passionate about human development, especially women’s education. To support this, he facilitated the development of primary and secondary schools and established a teacher training college specifically for women’s education.
Another of his notable achievements was the construction of major dams, such as Bagauda Dam and Tiga Dam, to provide irrigation for farmers and boost agricultural production. However, over time, these dams were observed to have negative environmental effects on the Hadejia-Nguru wetlands.
Legacy and Recognition
Audu Bako is still remembered as one of the founding figures of modern Kano State. In recognition of his contributions, several landmarks have been named after him, including:
- Audu Bako Secretariat (commonly referred to as the State Government Secretariat)
- Audu Bako School of Agriculture
- Audu Bako Zoological Garden (formerly known as Kano Zoo)
Life after Office & Death
After retiring from the Nigeria Police Force in 1975, Bako ventured into farming. Sadly, he passed away in 1980 after suffering a heart attack while on a fishing expedition at Bakolori Dam.
His legacy as a visionary leader and reformer continues to shape Kano State today.
Who Is The Present Governor Of Kano State?

Abba Kabir Yusuf is the current Governor of Kano State. He won the 2023 gubernatorial election under the NNPP (New Nigeria People’s Party). He defeated Nasir Gawuna, the APC (All Progressives Congress) candidate. But Nasir Gawuna contested the victory in the Election Tribunal. The tribunal declared him the winner of the election. However, Abba Kabir Yusuf appealed the decision in the Court of Appeal. The Court of Appeal upheld the tribunal’s judgment. Abba Kabir Yusuf then appealed to the Supreme Court. The Supreme Court overruled the Court of Appeal’s decision. It declared Abba Kabir Yusuf the duly elected winner. As a result, he was declared the winner on May 24, 2024, and returned to the Government House.
Abba Kabir Yusuf was born on January 5th, 1963. He obtained a National Diploma in Civil Engineering from Federal Polytechnic Mubi and a Higher National Diploma (HND) in the same field from Kaduna State Polytechnic. Additionally, he holds a Postgraduate Degree and a Master’s in Business Administration (MBA) from Bayero University Kano.
His first political role was in 1999, when he served as Special Assistant to Governor Rabiu Kwankwaso. Before becoming governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf contested an election under the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) but was unsuccessful. However, in 2023, he ran again, and his determination turned his previous failure into victory, ultimately leading him to the governor’s seat.
History
What is now Kano State was historically known for various kingdoms and empires, with the Kingdom of Kano emerging as one of the most prominent? The Kingdom of Kano existed before 1000 AD and ended in 1349, when the Sultanate of Kano installed Yaji as the first Sultan of Kano. The Hausa dialect, the most common language spoken in modern-day Kano, was the lingua franca used by many during the time of the Kingdom of Kano.
The region became a center of commerce in the 15th century when the Kumi Market was inaugurated. This is why the state’s nickname, “Center of Commerce,” still holds today, and the market continues to operate. In the 17th century, the Sultan of Kano was one of the most powerful rulers in the Hausa lands, until the British took control in 1903 and incorporated the territory into the Northern Nigeria Protectorate (NNP). At the time of British rule, the region was home to many ethnic groups, including the Hausa, Fulani, Kanuri, Arab, Tuareg, Nupe, and other tribes from southern Nigeria.
Hausa was a common means of communication among the people, and as a result, many people identified with the Hausa ethnicity. Today, Kano is often referred to as a Hausa state, and Hausa is still the dominant language spoken in Kano City.
Since the creation of Kano State in 1967, its economy has grown significantly, driven by agricultural products and diverse industries, reinforcing the state’s reputation as a center of commerce. The state also operates Islamic banking. More so, Kano was the first northern state to practice Sharia law within the Nigerian constitution, as the majority of its population are Muslims. However, the region faces challenges, including insurgency from terrorist groups such as Boko Haram.
Universities/ Polytechnic & Colleges
Here are the available universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education in Kano State for aspiring students seeking admission and those who want to study within the state:
Institution |
Bayero University Kano (BUK) |
Available Faculties: |
Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences |
Faculty of Science |
Faculty of Engineering |
Faculty of Law |
Faculty of Education |
Faculty of Health Sciences |
Faculty of Agriculture |
Faculty of Business Administration |
Faculty of Engineering and Technology |
Faculty of Environmental Sciences |
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Kano University of Science and Technology (KUST) |
Available Faculties: |
Faculty of Science |
Faculty of Engineering |
Faculty of Social and Management Sciences |
Faculty of Agriculture |
Faculty of Environmental Sciences |
Faculty of Health Sciences |
Faculty of Education |
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Nigeria Police Academy, Wudil |
Available Faculties: |
Faculty of Law |
Faculty of Social and Management Sciences |
Faculty of Science and Technology |
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Skyline University, Kano |
Available Faculties: |
Faculty of Science |
Faculty of Management Sciences |
Faculty of Social Sciences |
Faculty of Arts and Humanities |
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Yusuf Maitama Sule University, Kano |
Available Faculties: |
Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences |
Faculty of Science |
Faculty of Education |
Faculty of Law |
Faculty of Health Sciences |
Faculty of Social Sciences |
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Aminu Kano College of Islamic Legal Studies |
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Audu Bako School of Agriculture, Dambatta |
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Federal College of Education, Kano |
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Kano State Polytechnic |
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Sa’adatu Rimi College of Education, Kano |
Notable People
- Murtala Ramat Muhammed (born November 8, 1938) was a Nigerian military head of state who actively participated in the Nigerian Civil War.
- Sani Abacha (born September 20, 1943) hails from Kano State. He was the Chief of Defense Staff, Chief of Army Staff, and Nigeria’s military head of state from November 17, 1993, to June 8, 1998.
- Aliko Dangote (born April 10, 1954) is from Kano. He is a Nigerian businessman, owner of several industries, and the first individual to establish a private refinery located in Lekki, Lagos.
- Mohammed Rabi’u Kwankwaso (born October 21, 1956) is a Nigerian politician from Kano. He served as Nigeria’s Defense Minister during President Olusegun Obasanjo’s administration (2003-2007) and was also the Governor of Kano State.
- Sanusi Lamido Sanusi (born July 31, 1961) hails from Kano State. He served as the 14th and 16th Governors of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and was also the Emir of Kano. Although he was deposed by Governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, he was later reinstated by Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf.
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