Katsina State Overview

Did you know that Katsina, Nigeria, was formerly part of Kaduna State?

If you weren’t aware, now you are! On September 23, 1987, General Ibrahim Babangida separated it from Kaduna State to create Katsina State. The state capital is also named Katsina, where the executive governor administers the state’s affairs. The state’s slogan is “Home of Hospitality.” Historically, the region was founded by the Hausas and was considered part of the Hausa Kingdom. The area, particularly Daura town, is also known as a major center of Islamic culture and a place of learning in Nigeria.

What Location?

Kastina is located in northern Nigeria and falls under the northwestern geopolitical zone of the country. It lies between latitude 11°07’49” and 13°22’57” N and longitude 6°52’03” E and 9°9’02” E.

The state shares borders with five regions, including one international border with Niger Republic to the north, extending about 155 miles. The interstate boundaries are:

  • Jigawa – northeast
  • Kano – northeast
  • Kaduna – south
  • Zamfara – west
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Land Area

Katsina State covers an area of 24,192 square km (9,341 sq mi). It is the 17th largest state in Nigeria, representing 2.62% of the country’s total land area.

Katsina Population

According to the 2006 Nigerian National Population Census, Katsina State was the third most populous state in Nigeria, with a population of 5,801,584. However, the estimated population in 2022 was 10,368,500, with a population density of 240 people per square kilometer (620 people per square mile), which is nearly double the last recorded census figure.

Topography

Katsina has a predominantly flat and undulating landscape, featuring savannah plains. However, hilly rock formations and isolated mountain ranges are found in the south and southeast of the state, particularly the Faskari Hills and the Kankara Hills. While there are elevated areas, the state is not considered predominantly mountainous.

Vegetation Zone

The state is covered by Sahel savannah vegetation. The southern part features wooded savannah with a predominance of shrubs, while the northern part, near the Niger border, consists of tropical short grassland and drought-resistant plant life.

Climate of the State

Katsina experiences two major tropical seasons: the rainy season and the dry season.

  • Rainy Season: May to October, with an annual average precipitation of 51.61 mm. The wettest months receive an average rainfall of 272.11 mm.
  • Dry Season: October to May. The coldest month is January, with an average temperature of 59.14°F (15.08°C), while the hottest month can reach 106.52°F (41.4°C). January is also the driest month, with 0.0 mm of precipitation.

People & Tribe

The dominant languages spoken in Katsina State are Hausa and Fulfulde. The Hausa ethnic group is the most predominant, while Fulfulde is spoken by the Fulani people.

Katsina Religion

The two main religions in Katsina State are Islam and Christianity. However, the majority of the populations are Muslims, while Christians form a minority. Katsina is one of the northern Nigerian states that practice Sharia law, being the fifth state to adopt it.

Major Occupation

Farming is the principal occupation in Katsina State. A large portion of the population engages in crop cultivation and livestock rearing, making agriculture the backbone of the state’s economy. The main crops include:

  • Groundnuts
  • Millet
  • Sorghum
  • Vegetables (grown in riverbank plains)
  • Cotton (common in the southern region)

Many people also raise cattle, goats, and sheep for economic purposes, with animal hides and skins being important trade commodities.

List of Katsina Local Government Areas

The table below contains the names of all the LGAs presently in Katsina State and their corresponding postal codes.

LGAPostal Code
Bakori831101
Batagarawa820102
Batsari820106
Baure820105
Bindawa822105
Charanchi822104
Dan Musa821104
Dandume830103
Danja831102
Daura824101
Dutsi823103
Dutsin-Ma821101
Faskari830102
Funtua830101
Ingawa823104
Jibia820104
Kafur832103
Kaita820103
Kankara832102
Kankia822101
Katsina820101
Kurfi822103
Kusada822102
Mai’Adua824102
Malumfashi830105
Mani821102
Mashi823102
Matazu821103
Musawa821105
Rimi821106
Sabuwa830104
Safana821107
Sandamu824103
Zango824104

A list of all Katsina State Governors

Major Abdullahi Sarki Mukhtar was the first person to rule Kaduna and served as a military governor. Military governors were not elected but appointed by the Head of State, yet they functioned in all aspects just like civilian governors. Since Mukhtar left the Kaduna governor’s office, new governors, both military and civilian, have emerged. Here are the names, titles, and periods in office of all Katsina State leaders/governors.

NameTitlePeriod in Office
A. S. MukhtarGovernorSep 1987 – Jul 1988
Lawrence OnojaGovernorJul 1988 – Dec 1989
John MadakiGovernorDec 1989 – Jan 1992
Saidu BardaGovernorJan 1992 – Nov 1993
Emmanuel AcholonuAdministrator9 Dec 1993 – 22 Aug 1996
S. B. ChamahAdministrator22 Aug 1996 – Aug 1998
Joseph AkaagergerAdministratorAug 1998 – May 1999
U. M. Yar’AduaGovernor29 May 1999 – 29 May 2007
Ibrahim ShemaGovernor29 May 2007 – 29 May 2015
A. B. MasariGovernor29 May 2015 – 29 May 2023
Dikko Umar RaddaGovernor29 May 2023 – Present

List of Higher Institutions in Katsina

Katsina has a number of prestigious institutions, including universities, polytechnics, and colleges. Some are established by the federal government, while others are state-owned or privately owned. If you want to study at a university or other higher institution in Katsina, here is a list of schools to choose from.

NameTypeDegrees Awarded
Public Universities
Umaru Musa Yar’adua UniversityStateVarious
Federal University, Dutsin-MaFederalVarious
Federal University of Transportation, DauraFederalVarious
Federal College of Education, KatsinaFederal (Affiliated with BUK)NCE, B.Ed (via BUK)
Isa Kaita College of Education, DutsinmaState-Owned (Affiliated with ABU Zaria)NCE, B.Ed (via ABU)
Private Universities
Al-Qalam UniversityPrivateVarious
Cherish Institute, BatsariPrivate (Health Focus)Health Degrees (Varies)
Other Educational Institutions
National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN)Distance LearningVarious

History of Katsina

The history of what is now called Katsina is affiliated with the Hausa Bakwai states and dates back centuries. According to legend, Katsina land is believed to have been founded by the descendants of Bayajidda, a mythical figure in Hausa history.

Throughout history, Katsina has been ruled by different dynasties. The capital, Katsina city, was a renowned center of learning that attracted distinguished scholars from far and near, particularly during the decline of the ancient Timbuktu in the 17th and 18th centuries.

In 1903, the British took over the territory, incorporating it into Northern Nigeria. Later, in 1987, Katsina State was officially created from Kaduna State under General Ibrahim Babangida’s administration.

Before the creation of the state, the Hausa people were the largest ethnic group in the region, and they remain dominant today. Hausa is the most widely spoken language in the state.

Related Questions

When was Katsina State created?

  • Katsina State was created on September 23, 1987.

Where is Katsina located?

  • Katsina is located in northern Nigeria.

How many local government areas are in Katsina State?

  • There are 34 local government areas (LGAs) in Katsina State.

Who is the governor of Katsina State?

  • The current Governor of Katsina State is Dikko Umar Radda of the All Progressives Congress (APC). His deputy is Farouk Lawal Jobe, also from the APC.

How many hours does it take to travel from Abuja to Katsina?

  • The estimated travel time from Abuja to Katsina by road is approximately 6 to 8 hours, depending on traffic and road conditions.

Hints

  • Historical records indicate that the Hausa people have inhabited Katsina for centuries, making them the predominant ethnic group/tribe in the state.
  • Katsina was ruled by various dynasties before the British colonial administration took over in 1903.
  • The state was officially created in 1987 from Kaduna State under General Ibrahim Babangida.
  • As of 2022, Katsina is the third most populous state in Nigeria, with an estimated population of 15 million people.
  • The topography of the state consists of flat plains with occasional hills in the southern region.
  • The state features a Sahel savannah vegetation type.
  • Katsina has two distinct seasons:
    • Rainy season: May to October
    • Dry season: November to April

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