LIFE AND TIMES OF MUHAMMADU BELLO KAGARA (WALIN

KATSINA) (1892 – 1971)

BY
IBRAHIM TANIMU
HUM/HIS/700922

A PROJECT SUBMITTED TO THE DEPARTMENT OF HISTORY AND

SECURITY STUDIES, UMARU MUSA YAR’ADUA UNIVERSITY,
KATSINA IN PARTIAL FULFILMENT FOR THE AWARD OF
BACHELOR
DEGREE IN HISTORY
(B.A HISTORY)

AUGUST 2010

1
 TABLE OF CONTENT
Title Page
Table of Contents - - - - - - - - ii
Approval Page - - - - - - - iii
Declaration - - - - - - - - iv
Dedication - - - - - - - - v
Acknowledgment - - - - - - - - vi
List of Appendix - - - - - - - - vii
Abstract - - - - - - - - viii

CHAPTER ONE
Statement of the problem - - - - - 1
Aim and objectives of the study - - - - - 2
Methodology - - - - - 3
Literature Review - - - - - 4-5
Conclusion - - - - - - 5
End Notes - - - - - - 6

CHAPTER TWO
The Life History of Muhammadu Bello Kagara (Walin Katsina)
Introduction
2.1 Birth and Family Background - - - - - 7-10
2.2 Early Childhood from 1895 – 1910 - - - - 10-11
2.3 Educational Career 1910 – 1914 - - - - 11-17
2.4 His Marriages, Family and Children - - - - 18-19
2.5 Conclusion - - - - 19
End Notes - - - 20-21

CHAPTER THREE
Muhammadu Bello as a Teacher during Colonial period
Introduction
3.1 His Teaching in Zaria Provisional School from 1914 – 1921 22-23
3.2 His Teaching in Katsina Training College from 1921 – 1938 23-36
3.3 His Teaching in Kaduna College from 1938 – 1945 - 36
3.4 His Retirement from Service in 1945 - - 36-39
3.5 Conclusion - - -- - - 39
End Notes - - 40

2
CHAPTER FOUR
Years in the Public Service
Introduction
4.1 Walin Katsina as an Author and national award of (M.B.E) 41
4.2 Appointment as Alkali (Judge) in Katsina Native Authority in 1946 –
1954 41-46
4.3 Appointment/Turbaned as First (Walin Katsina) in 1954 - 47-48
4.4 Membership in Various organisations - - - 48-49
4.5 Conclusion - - - - - 50
End Note - - - - - - - - - 51

CHAPTER FIVE
Summary and General Conclusion - - - - - 52-53
General Bibliography - - - - - - 54-55

3
Approval Page

This project has been read and approved by the undersigned on behalf

of the Department of History and Security Studies Umaru Musa Yar’adua

University Katsina, as part of the requirement for the award of Bachelors’

Degree in History (B.A History).

Dr. Aliyu Muri ____________________

Project Supervisor Date & Sign

Dr. Aliyu Muri ____________________

H.O.D History Date & Sign

____________________ ____________________

External Supervisor Date & Sign

4
DECLARATION

I hereby declare that this work is the product of my own research

effort under the supervision of Dr. Aliyu Muri. The research has not been

presented elsewhere for the award of any certificate, and all sources are duly

acknowledged.

_____________________

Ibrahim Tanimu

5
DEDICATION

This research work is dedicated to my Parents Alhaji Tanimu

Yar’adua, and Hajiya Hadiza Tanimu Yar’adua, and to my Nephew late

Suleiman Almustapha Abdullahi.

6
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

My first and foremost gratitude goes to almighty Allah for giving me

the necessary guidance and moral courage to undertake this project. I pray

for more courage to allow me undertake similar work in my subsequent

academic pursuit.

A sincere vote of thanks goes to my able supervisor Dr. Tijjani

Abdulwahab who provided me the time, support and inspiration needed to

prepare this project despite his commitments.

A special regard and gratitude also goes to my parents Alhaji Tanimu

Yar’adua and Hajiya Hadiza Tanimu Yar’adua. I will like to state my

appreciation to the entire lecturers in the department of History and security

studies, particularly the HOD, Dr. Aliyu Muri, Dr. Babajo, Dr. Isa Naiya,

Malam Jamilu, Mal Aminu, Mal Uwaisu, Mal. Nasiru, Mal. Nura, Mal.

Ibrahim, Mal. Musa, Mal. Rabe, Mal. Jibril, Mal. Kabir and Malama

Fatima.

To my brothers, sisters and friends Muhammadu Tanimu Yar’adua

Haj. Maryam, Aminu, Aisha, Abubakar, Hajiya Umma, Ahmad longer

Abdulrasheed, Safiyanu, Ibrahim Moh’d, Binta, Ummi, Engineer, Babaye,

Alhaji, Saif, Commander, Ibrahim Nasiha, Aminu Ahlan Mal. Danjuma and

7
all student of B.A History and Families of Late Malam Bello Kagara Walin

Katsina especially Alh. Ahmad Bello and Alh Mustapha Imam.

8
LIST OF APPENDIX

Declaration of age of Mallam Bello Kagara - - - - 56

One of his unpublished Arabic Poem - - - - 57-60

Letter of Appreciation after his retirement from Katsina Native Authority

61

Katsina State Merit Award - - - - - 62

Bello Kagar’s Picture - - - - - 63

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ABSTRACT

Alhaji Muhammadu Bello Kagara (M.B.E) had played a vital role in the

society of not only Katsina Emirate where he was appointed as”Wali” but

also to the entire societies of Northern Nigeria. He was born in 1892 and

died at the age of 80 he served this nation for a period of 57 years, from

1914 – 1971. Due to his long and meritorious service in his country her/his

majesty’s government decorated him with the honour of Member of British

Empire (M.B.E) in 1938.

In 1946, a year after his retirement from Government Service, the late Emir

of Katsina, Alhaji Sir, Usman Nagogo appointed him as (Judge) Alkalin

Katsina, thus the Emir fulfilled the wishes of his late father Alhaji

Muhammadu Dikko. And in 1949, Malam Muhammadu Bello Kagara was

promoted to Chief Alkali of Katsina and later in 1954, he was turbaned as

the first Wali of Katsina.

As a Wali, he was the Emir’s councillor in charge of Shari’a. He continued

to serve in this capacity until his death on 21st November, 1971. This work

is therefore an attempt of biography of Muahmmadu Bello Kagara (Walin

Katsina). It is abiography from his birth to demise. During his life time he

served the Northern Province and Nigeria in various capacities.

10
Biographical study is a significant aspect of historical studies mainly

because it is meant to encourage and inspire the younger generation. I have

relied on both primary and secondary sources in this work such as interview,

archival material, diaries, text books and news papers.

The work conclude by tracing the contribution of the late Walin Katsina to

the society in general, especially in the authorship he wrote two books

Biography of Emir of Katsina title “Sarkin Katsina Alhaji Muhammadu

Dikko (C.B.E)” and the famous Hausa novel “Gandoki” and also composed

a number of unpublished poems.

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 CHAPTER ONE

1.1 Statement of the Problem

Alhaji Bello Kagara Walin Katsina, he has been, featured in

biographies of his collegues, students and relatives, for example Isa Kaita,

Abubakar Imam, Sir Usman Nagogo, Alhaji Muhammad Dikko and an

autobiography by Sir Ahmadu Bello among others . Bello kagara is an

example of a commoner by birth, who raised the heights of contemporary

Islamic leadership, generally regarded as Islamic scholar, Educationist,

Judge and traditional title holder. This does not provide adequate historical

study and analysis of the life of late Alhaji Bello Kagara Walin Katsina.

Hence the need for a research into his life. The driving force of the

development of any society is the people. The popular masses but this does

not imply an underestimation of individuals, the great men of history… all

history is made up of the actions of individuals who are undoubtedly active

figures. This explains the need for acknowledgment of individual efforts in

societal development and in this regard, it shows the need for

acknowledgement of activities of late Bello Kagara Walin Katsina to

societal progress through a research into his life time.

The significance of a biography as an avenue for historical reconstruction,

documentation and research into his lifetime as this has not been

12
accordingly. The significance of a biography as an avenue for historical

reconstruction, documentation and research cannot be undermined.

1.2 Aims and Objectives

The aim and objectives of writing this work is to account of the series

of events that make up Muhammadu Bello Kagara’s life, it is simply a

History that tells the basic and important about Muhammadu bello Kagara,

his early childhood, educational carrier, marriages, life as a teacher during

the colonial period and also work with Katsina Native Authority and later

walin Katsina.

It indeed highlights his contributions in the socio-economic and

political development of northern Nigeria in particular and Nigeria in

general. The purpose does write on the subject matter after realizing the care

about various and vital roles and contributions the Wali had made it is also

important because if care is not taking the record of this individual may be

forgotten.

The Walin Katsina, Bello Kagara, died in 1971. This research is

Bourne out of the need pen-down his life, contributions and achievements,

as time dulls virtually everything, his life and achievement too may be

forgotten in the near future.

1.3 Research Methodology

13
 In an attempt to write this biography, different historical data

collection are used. The first method is through the use of primary data. Oral

information is obtained through questionnaires and interview. Thus, member

of his family and close associates, who I hope will be in a better position to

offer reasonable and dependable. Interviews were conducted with critical

interpretation, Archival materials also used for complete assessment.

Published and unpublished, examined through the little sources available on

our subject in these textbooks, news papers are utilized.

The work is divided into five chapters. The first chapter, as seen, has

already introduced the subject matter. It highlighted the reasons why this

research is necessary. How comes chapter one starting with just statement of

problem it started the Statement of the Problem, Aims and Objectives,

Research Methodology, Literature Review. The second chapter will discuss

the historical background of the subject of narration, thus highlighting his

birth and family background, early childhood, and education, and his

marriages. The chapter three dwells on the discourse of his life as a teacher

during the colonial period; his teaching in Zaria provisional school, Katsina

training college, and Kaduna College, and lastly, his retirement from service.

Chapter four discusses his commitments to public service,

appointment as Alkali in Katsina Native Authority, and his decoration with

14
National Awards the chapter also discusses his turbaning as Walin Katsina,

and his membership with as various organisations. The last chapter, that is

chapter five (5), treats offer a summary and conclusion to the study.

1.4 Literature Review

Biography writing can be said to have acquired much importance in

the present day history because it tends to reveal to us the kind of life that

our past leaders followed in their path to achieving greatness.

However in spite of this importance biographical study is still not given

much attention, particularly here in the northern Nigeria. This is not to say,

however, that is nothing in the field of life writing, belt.

Sani Abubakar Lugga work on Sheikh Haruna, our example, is a very good

source material. This is so because the writer discusses the life and times of

Wazirin Katsina clearly felled to discuss contribution to the development of

Islam and society, hence this work will attempt to fell that gap by highly on

the contribution of Bello Kagara to the development of Islam1.

Commassie, and K Imam, work on Biography of Emir of Katsina Sir,

Usman Nagogo, the work provided life style of royal highness but work falls

to emphases the contribution of the Emir of Katsina Hence in the field of

socially, morally and commitment to the development of the society hence

15
our work had to emphases Bello Kagara’s commitment in public service and

dedication of his life in the service.2

Onlaniyi Olewoye work, wrote the Biography of Professor Halliru Binji, he

was able to highlight the roles contributions and achievement of Professor

Halliru Binji especially in Islamic community also our work had to

emphases the role contribution of Bello Kagara’s in Islamic community .3

Abdullahi Abubakar’s work entitled a biography of Alhaji Muhammadu

Jega, unfortunately was able to examine clearly the Historical background of

Muhammad Jega in the public service our own filled the gap and discuss

Bello Kagara’s background in public service.4

Lastly the work of Usman Dalhatu, entitled the biography of Emir of Zazzau

Malam Ja’afaru Dan Isiyaku, the writer wrote clearly about the Emir and his

contribution in Northern Nigeria and Nigeria at large.5

The above literature reviews our work fell the gaps left by Dalhatu on Emir

of Zazzau, Olaniyi on Professor Binji Imam and Commasie on Emir of

Katsina, Lugga on Waziri, Abdllahi Abubakar on Muhammadu Jega.

1.4 Conclusion

This chapter identified the problem of the study, aims and objectives

of the study, the method used in the study and literature review of a study.

16
 The next chapter will focus on the life History of Muhammadu Bello

Kagara Walin Katsina.

17
End Notes

S. Lugga Wazirin Katsina (1995) p32

Dahiru and Imam Biography of Emir of Katsina (1990) p43

A Abubakar Biography of Muhammad Jega (1997) p28

O. Oyewole a Biography of Prof Halliru Binji (1995) p30

U Dalhat Malam Jafaru Dan Isiyaku Emir of Zazzau (2002) p78

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 CHAPTER TWO

THE LIFE HISTORY OF MUHMMADU BELLO KAGARA WALIN

KATSINA

Introduction

This chapter deals with the historical background of Muhammadu

Bello Kagara Walin Katsina, his ancestral origin and birth. It will also trace

the early History of Muhammadu Bello Kagara, his childhood and

educational background.

Birth and Family Background

Muhammadu Bello Kagara was born in 1892, equivalent to (1311AH)

1 at Kagara town in Kontagora province, which later become part of Niger

province, by the time he was born, Kontagora and Bida were separate

provinces, and later in 1926 the two provinces were merged into one, to

form Niger province2. Offending the sensibilities of the two powerful emirs

Etsu Nupe in Bida and Sarkin Sudan in Kontagora was avoided by the

neutral name Niger for the province and the choice of Minna as a provincial

Headquarters3.

Muhammadu Bello’s great grandfather, Malam Muhammadu Gajibo

came from Gajibo town in dikwa Emirate of the former Kanem Borno

Empire. He was among the learned Malams at the court of the Mai of dikwa

19
during the pre-colonial period. When the Mai died, his two children

contested for the throne, but the younger one succeeded and become the

Mai, His elder brother Maina Ibrahim decided to migrate from Borno with

his followers and several herds of cattle. Among his people was Malam

Muhammadu Gajibo. They reached Bida after several stops on the way and

decided to settle within the vicinity of the Etsu Nupe of the time realising

their need for a large grazing area, selected Kutigi as a suitable settlement

for them. The prince from Kukawa Maina Ibrahim, was appointed head of

the town of Kutigi and it grew very rapidly. They planted date palms there as

well as in Bida. Even though they had mingled and inter-married with their

Nupe hosts, the people of Kutigi still retain some of their Borno practices.

For example they still observed Gani festivities during the Eidel-Maulud, the

birthday of prophet Muhammadu (S.A.W) as done in Borno4.

During the period of the jihad of Shehu Usman Danfodio, Malam

Muhammadu Gajibo led a group of learned people to pay homage to Shehu

Usman, Co-incidentally they arrived at Sokoto just as Danfodio was entering

the town after it had been built by his son, Muhammadu Bello. It was related

that Shehu Usman, on learning about the approach of this group of scholars

from Nupe land, stopped at the gate and said, “let us await the arrival of

these pious people who have migrated to be with us.” It was there, outside

20
the city gates, that Shehu Usman made his own settlement and built a

mosque with the assistance of the Nupe Malams led by Malam Muhammadu

Gajibo.

Later Muhammadu Bello extended the town road way to encircle the

settlement of Shahu Usman Danfodio within the Sokoto city proper. Malam

Muhammadu Gajibo was appointed Wakilin Nufawa that is Head of the

Nupe community, at Tako quarters near where Shehu’s mosque is located5.

Malam Muhammadu Badamasi was born in Sokoto into the family of

Malam Muhammadu Gajibo, the Wakilin Nufawa, after the death of his

Father he inherited the title of Wakilin Nufawa. In accordance with the

accepted tradition Malam Muhammad Badamasi had a son whom he named

Shehu Usman in Sokoto, he also had a daughter who later married in Sokoto.

Her descendants still occupy the house build by Malam Badamasi in Sokoto.

Malam Shehu Usman was a father of Muhammadu Bello Kagara6.

At the death of Malam Badamasi, Malam Usman decided to leave

Sokoto and live in Katsina, then Kankia, then Gwarzo and finally Kano.

From Kano he decided to travel to Kontagora to meet Sarkin Sudan Umaru

Nagwamatse. He found Nagwamatse at Tegina. The Distric Head at Tegina,

Madaki Masoyi, welcomed him and found him a place to stay.

21
 After sometime Sarkin Sudan Umaru Nagwamatse directed Madaki

Masoyi to move from Tegina and settle at a point along the road used by

traders where known bandits had attacked trading convoys on several

occasions. This place was to become Kagara, Madaki Masoyi went with

Malam Shehu Usman and a number of their followers and in a short while,

the town become a large settlement.

During the period of establishing the town several Malams and brave

warriors went to Kagara to give assistance and protection to the settlers. It

was at that time that Malam Shehu Usman become acquainted with Malam

Muhammadu Maisaje, the Imam of Bobi, who was nicknamed Muhammadu

Maihakuri (the patient)7.

When Malam Muhammadu Mai-saje returned home to Bobi after the

establishment of Kagara he told his Family at Bobi that he had met one

Malam Shehu Usman at Kagara and was impressed by his character and the

depth of his learning. He therefore decided to give the hand of one of his

daughter, Aishatu, and told her about Malam Shehu at Bobi before

informing him of this decision, as if predicting that he would not live to

perform the proposed betrothal.

Aishatu reached marriageable age but still Malam Shahu did not

come. Her father used to say to her, “Be patient Aishatu your future husband

22
will soon come and I am sure you will be happy with him.” Soon however,

Malam Muhammadu Maisaje become ill and died.

During the period of mourning Malam Shehu Usman arrive to condole

the bereaved family. He was told about the promise made by Malam

muhammadu before his death. He immediately agreed to the suggestion and

his marriage took palce as that was the time of the period of mourning for

the death of Aishatu’s Fathers8.

Aishatu had become the wife of Malam Shahu Usman, and the mother

of Muhammadu Bello Kagara (Walin Katsina). Dr Abubakr Imam9. Alhaji

Ahmadu Kagara, Hajiya Hauwa Kande and Hajiya Fatima ta Annabi, Malam

Shahu Usman later become the Alkali of Kagara, (chief Alkali) and N.A

Treasurer (Ma’aji) and also chief Imam of Kagara town at the same time10.

2.2 Early Childhood from his Birth to 1910

As a child Muhammadu Bello had first-hand knowledge of his

environment which he, together with his mates, learned so naturally.

Young Bello, during the British advent and their administrative

occupation of the Hausaland which started in 1900, with a view to

eradicating slave trade and slavery, but more directly to acquire territory,

Kontagora was invaded and Nagwamatse the Sarkin Sudan fled to Kaya in

Giwa District of Zazzau Emirate. Many of his followers including Malam

23
Shahu Usman fled along with him. The British expeditionary force tracked

Nagwamatse to Kaya and captured him there, and then exiled him to Lokoja.

The Ubandoma of Kagara led the majority of Sarkin Sudan’s followers back

to Kontagora, while Malam Shehu Usman proceeded to Katsina with the

remaining refuges. It may be recalled that Malam Usman was not a stranger

in Katsina, having lived there as a scholar. The emir of Katsina, Abubakar

played host to him and gave him 100 bundles of guinea corn at a village

called Gwanamarde to feed his followers-the refuges. He also presented him

with a mare customary present of royalty to a Malam, a learned man. From

Katsina Malam Shehu Usman retraced his steps back to Malumfashi were he

settled. The ward where he and his followers settled was then named

“GWAMATSAWA” that is the ward of the followers of Nagwamatse,

Sarkin Sudan. It still bears that name at Malumfashi11.

Furthermore, Nagwamatse spent some time in exile at Lokoja.

However, the British, at the instance of the new Sultan of Sokoto, considered

certain extenuating circumstances which warranted Nagwamatse’s

reinstatement on the throne of Kontagora, he was therefore released from

exile and taken back to Kontagora to continue to rule his subject as Emir as

soon as Nagwamatse was reinstated, Isa, a son of Madaki of Kagara was sent

to Malumfashi to ask Malam Shehu Usman to return to Kagara in peace and

24
security. He agreed and returned, but some of his people remained at

Malumfashi, and their decedents are there to this day12.

At that material time Muhammadu Bello Kagara, Walin Katsina was a

boy of little over ten years old when he fled with his parents and

Nagwamatse. He and another boy were conveyed on a mare. That flight of

Malam Umaru Nagwamatse Sarkin Sudan of Kontagora which is called

(Gudun Nasara) meaning ‘flight from the Europeans’, has a historical

significance. It forewarned and forearmed the Hausa Emirs in general; and

in particular Kwasau the Emir of Zazzau, Aliyu, the Emir of Kano,

Abubakar the Emir of Katsina and Muhammadu Attahiru II the Sarkin

Musulmi (Sultan) of Sokoto against an inevitable British Invasion of their

territories. It also gave the inspiration in his thrilling novel Gandoki 13.

Beside he was obedient and his instinct to farming started since

childhood. The father always insists that he must study. At home young

Bello Usually helps his parents in the farm and other house hold Choirs14.

2.3 Educational Career From (1895 – 1914)

Having been brought up first under his father at Kagara, young Bello

learned alot in terms of history, humility, courage, dedication and hard work.

Under the guidance of his father Malam Shehu Usman, Bello had the

opportunity to study in Qur’anic school at the father’s Qur’anic school, the

25
same time Malam Shehu was in a had the position of Chief Imam, Alkali

and Ma’aji of Kagara. He enrolled into Qur’anic school “Makarantar allo”

These schools found every where in the North, are normally held in open air

or sometimes under trees or in rooms that are designated for the purpose the

subject matter i.e the Qur’an the Holy book of Islam and the aim is to get the

children to recite as many chapters of the holy Qur’an as possible.

Muhammadu Bello was in this school at the age of four in the year 1894. He

began to learn how to recite the holy Qur’an and some times to write using

the wooden pen and home made Ink called “Tawwada” later boosts his

knowledge about in Islam by reading other Books like Alkawa’id, Alkhdari

(Islamic scriptures), Hadith, and an Arabic poem called Ishiriniya15.

In Western Education, in 1910, Mr G.L Monk, the District officer of

Kagara, took away Muhammad Bello Kagara from his father, Malam Shehu

Usman and sent him to school, (Western Education) a “Makarantar Boko”

that is “Makarantar Dan Hausa”. Malam Shehu was unwilling to release

Bello for one reason and he was very suspicious of European schools. He

thought the idea behind it was to convert boys to Christianity. He agreed

only when he heard that almost all the Muslim Emirs in Northern Nigeria

had already sent their sons to the school, and that the teaching of Arabic and

26
Islamic studies as well as moral training on the Devine basis of Islam were

among the subjects taught in the school16.

When Muhammad Bello prepared to go to (Makarantar Boko), his

father Malam Shehu Usman gave him a word of advice, he raised his hands

up and said: “Oh, Allah, I have entrusted this child to your care, Guard him

as a devoted follower of your chosen religion, Islam Allah you are the best

Guide.” Malam Shehu Usman turned to his son Muhammad Bello and said,

“As for you Muhammad Bello, whenever those Europeans do to you, know

that Islam is your religion and learning is your tradition, God be with

you”17.

Meanwhile, his western educational career started in 1910, the

establishment of Makaranatar Boko (Western Education) in Northern

Region could be dated back to the early period of colonial penetration and

subjugation in Nigeria. Boko is a pejorative word perhaps derived from the

English word Book with the colonial conquest of the Northern Nigeria in

1903, the church missionary society headed by Dr. Miller, Fastidiously

attempted to introduce western style of education to the people. This attempt

heightened and severely aggravated the mutual distrust and suspicion of the

Northerners against the white men. In effect, the traditional rulers and their

27
people vehemently opposed the compulsory attendance of a Christian

school, which started in 1900 at Lokoja.

The tangible attempt of the Church missionary society in the North

was finally written off as a gross failure. The colonial Government perceived

the move of church missionary society as a disastrous to colonialism. The

colonial officers stationed in the North were of the opinion that it was

advisable to educate the Muslims along with their own religion and customs.

These series of advice made the Higher Commissioner, Lord Luggard, to

conduct an intensive investigation in the North where he discovered that

there were more than 25,000 Islamic schools with 218,618 students. The

momentum of the number of these Islamic schools made Luggard to

understand that it was quite undesirable to allow the missionaries to

introduce western Education in the North. More disturbing to Luggard was

not the introduction of western style of education but its supposed danger

toward the enlightment of the natives. Luggard was afraid that educational

enlightment would make the native ungovernable.

After the dilly-dally, the Higher Commissioner came to realize that

the modern government required clerks who could read, write the numerical

number and use a type writer. He also believed that the recruitment of white

men would cost the colonial government a lot of money, which was not

28
available at his disposal. It was in view of this consideration that Luggard

devised a policy of reforms in education in an attempt to strengthen

government control with these reforms the High Commissioner appeared to

introduce the indirect colonial rule in Northern Nigeria.

By the year 1907, the High Commissioner assigned Hanns Vischer, a

British appointed political officer, to master English and Hausa Languages

and the “Maliki” Muslim law. He also implored him to obtain a Diploma of

the Royal Geographical society. Hanns Vischer was a son of Swedish

businessman who cames to London to study. He later joined the colonial

services and was seconded to Nigeria. Within two years, Hanns Vischer

successfully accomplished his course of studies and presented his certificates

to the High Commissioner. Subsequently, Luggard appointed him in charge

of Education in Northern Nigeria18. In the year 1909, the construction of

the residence of the Chief Education officer, Mr Hanns Vischer was

completed at Nasarawa, Kano, within the same year the “Makarantar Dan

Hausa” was opened as the first Government school in Northern Region.

Sir Hanns Vischer’s Mastery of Local Language and perfect

command of Hausa earned him a unique title of Dan Hausa19. The western

school he initiated in Kano was subsequently referred to as. 20 Makarantar

29
Dan Hausa or Hausa vocational centre was principally established with the

following aims and objectives:-

To reach and educate or train teachers who can teach at different location in

the north.

To educate the sons of the emirs, in Public Administration and the modern

ways of teaching metods.

To educate them on government work and Public Administration on those

who show intelligence or will.

At the initial stage of the opening of the school, Sir Hanns Vischer selected

and appointed some revered scholars that will assist him in teaching at the

school. He appointed Malam Nagwamatse, the son of the Alkali of Sokoto to

teach Arabic in the School.

Malam Nagwamatse had attended the lesson set up in the Residency of Mr.

Goldsmith in Sokoto in the year 1906. Within the same year of the opening

of the school, Vischer also appointed Mr. F.A Beminster who taught crafts at

Makaratar Dan Hausa. Mr F.A Beminster was assisted by the wife of Sir,

Hanns Vischer, Mrs Hillery Vischer and one Ibo Man, a carpenter from

Onitsha21.

Sir, Hanns Vischer worked in close contact and alliance with the residents

and Emirs of the Northern Region of Nigeria.

30
The Resident of Kano, Mr C.L Temple who took over the residentship from

Mr. W.P Hewby in 1909, whole heartedly assisted him the cost of running

the Makarantar, Dan Hausa was largely borne from the ‘Bait-el mal’ of the

Emirs of the North. Dan Hausa Exhibited the enormous experience he

gained during his educational tour in Gold cost (Ghana) Misra (Egypt) and

Sudan. His tremendous success and effort made the British Government to

appoint him as the Director of Education of the Northern Region in 1910.

Kano served as the first Headquarters of Directorate of Education in

Northern Nigeria. The Directorate was later moved to Kaduna around

191922.

The students of Makarantar Dan Hausa were largely drawn from most of the

northern Region. At that material time, parents strongly opposed the

Makarantar Boko, as a device of spreading Christianity and western culture

and therefore prevented their children from attending the school. This

development extremely embarrassed the colonial Authority. The colonialist

who was afraid of educating the sons of the natives pressurised the

traditional rulers to send their children to the school. In spite of this

compulsion, the traditional rulers remained suspicious of Makarantar Boko.

Rather they maliciously selected their distant relation and sent them down to

makarantar Dan Hausa. Only very few among the Emirs in the Northern

31
Nigeria allowed their children to attend the school at that time those selected

to attend school parted from their weeping parents at home who feared that

they would never see their son’s again23.

Muhammadu Bello Kagara was selected under those prevailing

circumstances at eighteen (18) years old,

The age grades of the students of Makarantar Dan Hausa ranged between six

to sixty (6 – 60) years, we can therefore see that Muhammadu Bello did not

have a late start of western education. Some of his contemporaries in the

school include, Malam Jafaru Dan Isiyaku (who become Emir of Zazzau),

Adamu Wushishi, Baba Dankaden Kano, Muhammadu Yola, Kano,

Sulaiman Sarkin Dutse, Ahmadu Magajin Malam, Jibril Dan Korau, Zaria,

Hassan Sarkin Shira Bauchi, Abba Kyari (who become Shehun Borno),

Mustapha (who become Lamido Adamawa) and Abubakar Umaru24.

The study at makarantar Dan Hausa was a difficult experience for

Muhammadu Bello Kagara he was sent from Kagara to Kano to study at the

residency of Dan Hausa which was fenced with Danni or Zana The journey

from Kagara to Kano was so extremely laborious particularly during the

harsh hot and dry summer months.

There were eight original trees at Gidan Dan Hausa which served as classes.

These trees include seven Gmelina (Islamiya) trees and one Boabab-

32
Adansonia digitat (kuka) tree. The school lessons were all conducted under

the shadow of these trees before the construction of the classrooms in

191425. It is interesting to note that all the lessons in the school were

conducted in Hausa language not in English. English language was taught in

the school as a communication skill. Other subject in the school includes

Arithmetic’s, History, Geography, Arabic, and Handcrafts. In the year 1901,

there were only thirty students in the school drawn from all part of Northern

region. But very little is known at present about their names and places they

come from. This might lie on the appropriate preservation of the school

records by the colonial masters. Malam Bello Kagara studied Arabic with

other students in the school. He graduated from the school in 1914 after

spending four (4) years.

Malam Bello Kagara was among the first set of graduates of Makarantar

Dan Hausa to become well known in Northern Nigeria. The school was

expanded in the year 1913 with about two hundred and nine (209) admitted

into the institution. The following is the number of students from different

provinces in the Northern Region26.

Province Number of Students

Kano 59

Niger 40

33
Muri 25

Borno 17

Benue/Plateau 13

Kontagora 13

Nasarawa 12

Zaria 7

Yola 11

Ilori 6

Sokoto 6

Total 209

Sir Hanns Vischer who was popularly known as Dan Hausa envolved

a great understanding between his school and the people of the North. He

was able to infuse education in the North with a careful measure of

liberalism. It is wisdom and understanding of Islam and the respect he had

for the religion and culture appeared to foster unity, discipline and

understanding among his students and the people of the North77. It must be

remembered that Sir, Hanns Vischer with the assistance of his students like

Bello Kagara had translated many Greek journals and English books into

Hausa languages. He also introduced the syllable of B,D,K into Hausa

language instead of using d b k most of the schools that emerged in Northern

34
Nigeria were the offshoot Makarantar Dan Hausa. For instance in 1926,

Katsina technical school was opened and most of the technical students of

Makarantar Dan Hausa were transferred to Katsina28. Sir Hanns Vischer

died on 19th February, 1945 in his House located at Newport, Pagnell,

England29.

His Marriage, Family, and Children’s

Walin Katsina Muhammadu Bello Kagara was a responsible married

man, who left behind two wives by the time of his death on 21 November,

1971 he began to maintain and bear much of family responsibilities since the

time of his first marriage from the Gwamatsawa family in Malumfashi

Katsina State, the marriage took place in Malumfashi. The marriage was

arranged by his parents unknowing to him which took him unaware, he

happily accepted the choice of his parents without any complaint this type of

spouse selection is a somehow still practiced today to maintain family

ties30.

Walin Katsina Muhammadu Bello Kagara had many marriages, the

first marriage is of his wife from Malumfashi, the second wife is Riga from

Kagara town, Muhammadu Bello’s third wife came from Kankia, and the

fourth wife from Tegina in Niger State, his fifth wife was Zulaihatu from

35
Wushishi in Niger State, then Hajiya Abu, from Zaria, and the last one

Hajiya Mairo was from Malumfashi in Katsina State31.

Muhammadu Bello as a Family Man

Muhammadu Bello had a very larger family, survived by 16 children,

9 males and 7 females; he made sure that they were trained in accordance

with the rites and norms of Islamic and western types of Education. Wali

gave them all support and always insists on the role of Education as the root

of all achievements and enjoyments in life. Muhammadu Bello also make

his children not to depend on him for any worldly position but rather they

should have a very strong alliance with Education in this regard he was able

to produce men and women who contribute a lot to the development of the

society. His children are:-

Males

Alhaji Usman (Malami), Court Registrar (d)

Alhaji Sani Imam Civil Servant (GM. Nigerian Livestock and Meat

Authority) Rtd.

Alhaji (DR) Muktar Bello, OON (Managing Director C/E Nigerian Security

Printing and Minting Company, (Walin Katsina II) (d)

Alhaji Munnir Bello Civil Servant Accountant (d)

Alhaji Aminu Bello Civil Servant (Principal Manager NACRDB) Rtd

36
Alhaji Kabir Bello Civil Servant (d)

Alhaji Ahmad Bello M.D Penman Pensions Ltd, Rtd

Mal, Zainul Abidina Bello Student (d)

Alhaji Habibu Bello (Mechanical Engineer, Civil Servant) Rtd

Females

Hajiya Ummul Salma (d) Married to Boyi Malumfashi, Islamic Teacher,

Gwamatsawa Quarters (d)

Hajiya Aishatu (Tsohuwa) (d) Married to Alhaji Ibrahim Halilu Musa

Pharmacist of Unguwar Liman Zaria City (d)

Hajiya Khadija (Katsina) (d) married to Alh. Ahmed Tijjani Malumfashi

(Livestock Officer) (d)

Hajiya Nana Tunau, married to Alh. Abubakar Tunau Mafara, (Kayayen

Sardauna) seasoned journalist (d)

Hajiya Amina (lanti) married to Alh Musa Mani (Civil Servant

Administrator Rtd)

Hajiya Hafsatu Bello (d) married to Alh. Mustafa Imam (Civil Servant

Director Pharmaceutical Services M.O.H Katsina State

Malama Zainab Bello (d) married to Alh Aliyu Musa K/Durbi (Banker

Rtd)32.

NOTE: D = Deceased

37
4.5 Conclusion

Conclusively therefore this chapter shows the life History of

Muhammadu Bello Kagara, Walin Katsina family background early life,

western educational carrier in Makarantar Dan Hausa Kano, his Qur’anic

education under his father, his marriages and his family members.

Furthermore the next chapter will discuss the civil service carrier of

Muhammadu Bello Kagara.

38
End Notes

See Muhammadu Bello Kagara Curriculum Vitae P.I

A mora (1989) Abubakar Imam memos Published.

Ibid P. 11

Ibid P.13

Ibid P.14

Oral interview with Alhaji Habibu Bello Age 56 at Kaduna 10th March,

2010.

Ibid.

Abdulrahaman Mora. OP-cit.

Abubakar Imam the younger Brother to Bello Kagara was born in 1911 in

Kagara, he enrolled at Katsina Training College, and became a teacher in

Zaria, and joined the Nigerian Newspaper “Gaskiya Tafi Kwabo from 1959

– 1966, he was the Author of Magana Jarice, Ruwan Bagaja, etc. He was a

member of public service commission of Northern Nigeria he died in Zaria

in 1981.

Oral interview with Alhaji Mustapha Imam age 73 Katsina 2nd December

2009.

Oral interview with Alhaji Sani Imam age 75 Kaduna 10th March, 2010.

Ibid.

39
Alhaji Habibu Bello OP-cit.

Alhaji Mustapah OP-cit.

Oral interview with Hajiya Fatima Ibrahim Talba age 90 Katsina 2 February

2010.

Alhaji Mustapha Imam Op-cit.

Oral interview with Alhaji Aminu Bello age Katsina 20 November 2009.

Perham, mergery, luggard the year of Authority P.P 500.

Means Dan Hausa the son of Hausa’s.

Makarantar Dan Hausa literally means the school of Dan Hausa.

Oral interview with Hajiya Rabi N Shehu Director Achieves and antiquilities

History and culture Bereau Kano & Malam Musa Ahmad incharge of Gidan

Dan Hausa Kano, 11 November, 2009.

Perham, mergery, Op-cit pp. 500 – 508.

Ibid P.503.

Alhaji Maje Gwangwazo supplied these names to History and culture

Bereau Kano.

Personal Excursion into Gidan Dan Hausa in Kano, the Hausa and the trees

are preserved on 11 November 2009.

Fanfuwa Babs History of Western Education in Nigeria P. 108.

Perham, mergery, Op-cit PP. 508 – 509.

40
Oral interview with Malam Musa Ahmad at Gidan Dan Hausa Kano, on 11

November, 2009.

Perham, Op-cit P.707.

Alhaji Habibu Bello Op-cit.

Alhaji Sani Imam Op-cit.

These name supplied by Alhaji Aminu Bello and Alhaji Mustapha Imam on

2nd December, 2009.

41
CHAPTER THREE

MUHAMMADU BELLO AS A TEACHER DURING COLONIAL

PERIOD

Introduction

This chapter discusses Muhammadu Bello Kagara’s early career as a

teacher at the Zaria Provisional School, Katsina Training College and

Kaduna College and also retirement from government service in (1945).

3.1 His Teaching in Zaria provisional School from (1914-1921)

When Muhammadu Bello Kagara passed out from Makarantar Dan

Hausa Kano in 1914, the colonial government established more provisional

schools across the Northern Nigeria. He took up a teaching appointment

with Zaria Native Authority and was posted to Zaria Provisional School. He

taught Arabic and Islamic studies. Teaching requires discipline, dedication,

honesty, intelligence, patience, love, humility and ability to place the

cognitive process in the forefront. It requires these virtues because western

education was at its early state of introduction in Northern Nigeria.1

Muhammadu Bello Kagara had a very nice approach and method of

teaching. He taught Arabic grammar, composition and history, at the school.

He was very intelligent and particularly tolerant. During the holiday he

42
attends higher local Qur’anic and Islamic schools in Zaria city, which soon

transformed him into one of the most learned Malam in Zaria city.

He had the highest salary of E7 (seven pounds). Muhammad Bello

contributed to the growth of Zaria Provisional School, at that time. He

ensured the prevalence of discipline among students.2

Muhammadu Bello Kagara the Headmaster

The headmaster has a number of varied duties, he is an educational

leader in his own right and his influence is considerable in the educational

programme of the school. He deals with teaching staff, pupils and members

of the public. He is also concerned with the quality of instruction as well as

the pupils’ welfare. He is concerned with moral and spiritual tone of the

school and maintenance of good discipline. He must be an effective

organiser, coordinator, communicator, innovator and supervisor.

Traditionally, he is midway between the educational policy makers on one

hand and the staff and pupils on the other, being an agent who executes or

transmits general rules and regulations as lay down by the school authorities.

As Headmaster of Zaria Provisional School, Muhammad Bello

Kagara coordinated and supervised activities of the school. On 23rd August

1921 he was transferred to Katsina College.3

3.2 His Teaching in Katsina Training College From 1921-1938

43
The Origin of the College

With the amalgamation of the Northern and Southern colonial

protectorates to form “Nigeria” in 1914, the British Governor General, Lord

Frederick Lugard saw the need to establish a secondary school with staff

from either Britain or the Caribbean. He started by requesting permission to

establish a technical institute near the new capital Kaduna.4

However, the London colonial office was opposed to the site. In a

memorandum he submitted to the colonial office in August 1915, Lord

Lugard posited that:-

“... As the scheme progresses, the central school might accommodate 200 or

300 pupils before it become necessary to find a second school of the same

kind. The general method of education would be the same as that now

existing, namely the model would be the English public school.... Since the

boys in this school will be aspirants for government service they must be

taught a thorough knowledge of English.5

However, Lord Lugard never stayed long enough to see the

establishment of the college as he resigned as Governor General in 1918.

The idea of establishing a college in the North to provide manpower

for the colonial administration was not restricted to Lord Lugard alone. The

new Governor General, Sir Hugh Clifford understood the dire need for

44
manpower for the government of Northern region as he declared in 1919

that:

“... After two decades of British occupation, the Northern provinces have not

yet produced a single native who is sufficiently educated to enable him fill

the most minor clerical post in the office of any government department.6

On the need to site the college in Katsina, Sir Clifford had this to say:-

“... Katsina was held in high repute...as a seat of learning and piety...(and

was also) not as yet so close to the railway and to the commercial centres of

Nigeria as to make it unsuitable for that quite and tranquillity and that men

who are devoting their lives to study.7

In a letter to the colonial secretary, the then acting director of

Education for the Northern region, Mr Urling-Smith, who was educated at

Emmanuel College, Cambridge and had worked with Mr. Hands Vischer at

Nasarawa in Kano, had this to stay:-

“...Katsina town had traditionally been the home of learned and devote

scholars.8

In another letter he wrote, he emphasized his support for establishing

the college at Katsina as follows:-

“... I still favour Katsina as the site...while no parent will shy at that place on

any grounds, except that it is away from home, many of them whom

45
themselves we cannot sophisticate, will be reluctant to sent their sons to

Zaria.”9

Governor Hugh Clifford wrote to the Secretary of state for the

colonies informing him of the need for a training college after inspecting

schools at Kano, Zaria, Ilorin, Bauchi and Maiduguri, which were all in need

of manpower. Such a Training College he pointed out should be recognized

as a government institution and not for the Native Authority. The

expenditure for the college should be defrayed from General Revenue. The

acting Director of Eduction, Mr Urling-Smith, further wrote and sought the

approval of the colonial office and the Education Department for the

establishment of the college the provincial schools, he argued could not be

run effectively without the necessary manpower such a college would

provide. English language, he pointed out, would be the medium of

instruction.

Finally, an approval was given in 1920 and the Katsina College was

built in 1921 and in the official commissioning ceremony, Sir Clifford said:-

“It is very necessary that the youths who will receive their training in this

college and who will thereafter carry the torch of learning and knowledge to

all parts of the Muhammadan Emirates in order thereby to enlighten the

ignorance of the country men, should concentrate all their energies and all

46
their attention upon the task that is set them during their period of training.

That they should cherish no other desire or ambition than that of training for

the great work of teaching others the things which they will learn, and that

while living in this college the ordinary lives of young Muhammadan men of

birth and standing they should be subjected to no influences which might

tend to make them careless about the observance of their religious duties,

forgetful of the customs and traditions of their fellow countrymen or lacking

in the respect and courtesy which they owe to their parents and to all who

occupy positions of authority and to all people. To these young men will

hereafter be entrusted the duty of training and instructing the boys who

attended the provincial schools in which they will later be employed. And it

will fall to them the teaching of those boys, not only the lessons from books

which they will have acquired, but the way that good Muhammadans should

live, the good manners, good behaviour and the courteous deportment

without which mere book learning is of little value”. 10

The college took off in October 1921 with thirty four students out of whom

ten dropped out. Katsina College come to be associated with academic

excellence throughout Nigeria.

Katsina College was sited at Rafukka quarters of Katsina city on a piece of

land donated by the Emir, Alhaji Muhammadu Dikko. Staff offices,

47
classrooms, students’ hostels and staff houses were all build with red earth

and clay in a typical Hausa architecture on what was hitherto Sarki Dikko’s

farmland when he was the Durbin Katsina and lived at the nearby Kofar

Sauri quarters. The site was chosen due its serenity and therefore most

suitable for studies.

The Wazirin Katsina, Alhaji Haruna, donated his farmland for the college’s

sports field. The field was located at the present livestock market just outside

the Kofar Waziri (near the Dantakum cemetery), which was a short cut out

of the town wall. The British teachers chose the site because of its beautiful

scenery over looking a marshy land.11

College Accommodation: Students in Katsina College lived in mud houses,

the rooms were very small containing corn stalk bed (gadon kara) and mat.

In some cases, a local bed was designed from mud with wooden legs locally

called “tumurgudu”. In every room a rope was provided which the student

would hang his cloths. There were four hostels at the initial stage namely

north, south, east and west later two more hostels were added they were

Hankaka (crow) and illela.

The Houses are as follows:

South Compound

Jimadu Illorin House Captain

48
Bukur Borno Assistant House Captain

Aliyu Abuja

Abubakar Illorin

Shehu D.D. Sokoto

Malkyari Borno

Umaru Kano

Wada Kano

Ibrahim Zaria

Usman Yola

Jibril Borno

Mamman Sani kwantagora

Salmanu Illorin

East Compound

Shehu Yabo House Captain

Umaru Agaiye Assistant House Captain

Hassan Yola

Bukar D/p Chairman

Abdu Dutse

Ma’azu Yola

Mamman Fate

49
Tanko Zaria

Sani Katsina

Mai Daura s

Zakari Kazaure

Bawa Zaria

Muhammadu Bawa

Bukar Kofa Borno

West Compound

Nuhu Zaria Bamalli House Captain

Muhammadu Mayo Yola Assistant House Captain

Labo Katsina

Abdulrahaman Okene

Dan Malam Katsina

Abdulkadir Kano

Umaru Gwandu

Ibrahim Bida

Amadu Yola

Muhammadu Borno

Maina Idrisa Borno

Idrisa Zaria

50
Musa Jibrin Borno

Isa Zaria

North Compound

Bukar Daura House Captain

Yahaya Gusau Assistant House Captain

Jumare Zaria

Mamman Zaria

Madugu Sokoto

Abdurrahaman Mora

Muhammadu bida

Ndaudu Bida

Damale Katsina

Amadu Daura

Baba Bauchi

Ibrahim Imam Borno

Kaumi Bomu

Tanko I Zaria

Hankaka Compound

Hassan Katsina House Captain

Abdu Zaria Assistant House Captain

51
Inuwa Kano

Muhammadu Boyi Yola

Dahiru Okeni

Abdullahi Okoni

Usman Borno

Adamu Kwara

Bisalla Zaria

Dasuki Illorin

Nuhu Gajere Kwantagora

Yunusa Borno

Gurama Bissau Bauchi

Tukura Galadima Kogo Kuta.13

Administrative Structure

The college operated the following administrative structure:

Principal

Deputy Principal

Subjects Heads

Administrative Staff

Bursar

Labourers, Cleaners.

52
The principal reported to the provincial education officer who in turn

reported to the director of education at the regional education ministry in

Kaduna.

The Principals of the College From (1921-1946)

Mr. G.A.J Bieneman 1921-1929

Mr. M.W Oakes 1929-1931

Mr. T.S Philips 1932-1934

Mr. W.E Nicholson 1934-1935

Mr. Tom Baldwin 1936-1938

Mr. Evic Mort 1938-1946

Mr. Awa Spicer 1946.

The Academic Staff

Mr. P.G.S Baylis

Mr. K.B Bill

Mr. C.R Butler

Mr. Craig

Mr. Hammond

Mr. S.J Hogben

Malam Ummaru Nagwamatse

Malam Bello Kagara

53
Mr. Gerald Power

Mr. Shillingford.14

Malam Bello Kagara had transferred from Zaria Provisional School to

Newly Katsina College on 23rd August 1921, at the rate of salary of 120

pound per annum.

In 1927 he was transferred to medical class of Katsina teachers college,

among his student at medical class were Ahmadu Sokoto, (Sardauna)

Ibrahim Zaria, Sambo Yola and Usman Borno.

Malam Bello Kagara had recorded that during his tenure as head of medical

class some prominent people had visited the medical class such as:

14 November, 1927 Mr Hogben visit medical class

21 November Emir, Mutawalli, Magatakarda and Mr Oakos visited medical

class.

16 May, 1928 Emir of Katsina Waziri and Magajin Gari Visited medical

class.

15 June, 1928 Emir of Daura, Wazirin Kano, and Madawki visited medical

class.

3 July, 1928 Governor Mr Palmor visited medical class.15

On 23rd March, 1930 Malam Bello Kagara was transfer back to teachers

college, he taught Hausa and Arabic language at the college. He had the

54
following syllabus of his subject he taught and numbers of his period per

week the table below:-

Syllabus of Hausa in the T.C Katsina (Second Year)

Composition I Reproduction of Narratives

5 Periods a Week Reading Advanced reader & other Selected books

Dictation Unprepared passages Composition Essay & précis writing,

good writing punctuation insisted on

Syallabus of Arabic in the T.C Katsina (Second Year)

Conversation Test of vocabularies & Grammar

3 Periods a Week Reading Bashr-el Adab i&ii Grammar Safinat –

enHuhut i&ii sentences to composition Dictation From Bahr-elAdab i,

and easier books

Syllabus of Arabic in the Elementary Training Centre Katsina First Year

Conversation Test of vocabularies & Grammar

3 Periods a Weeks Reading Bashr-el Adab II al-Ashmawi letters reading

Grammer Safinat-enNuhut I

55
Syllabus of Arabic in the Elementary Training Centre Katsina Second Year

Conversation Test of Religion, Vocabulary & Grammar

6Periods a Weeks Reading Bashr-el Adab II al-Ashmawi & letters reading

Grammer Safinat-enNuhut II

Syllabus of Arabic in the Elementary Training Centre Katsina Third Year

Conversation Test of Religion

6Periods a Weeks Reading Bashr-el Adab III al-Ashmawi & Izziyyah

Grammer Safinat-enNuhut II I allow any one who wishes to read another

book or to ask some questions of Arabic to come to me when the school is

over.16

The colleges dally routine (Monday to Saturdays) was as follows:-

5:00am - Prayers and cleaning

7:00 -7:30am - Physical exercise

7:30-9:00am -Classes (45 minutes each)

9:00-10am -Break fast

10:00am-1:30am -Classes

1:30pm -Prayers/lunch

4:00-6:30pm -Prayers/dinner and Evening study

56
9:00pm -Closing of the gates

10:00pm -Room to Room check

Feeding at the College

Cooking was not permitted in the college premises, therefore food

vendors were invited into the premises of the college to sell food. The then

Emir of Katsina, Alhaji Muhammadu Dikko forced food sellers to go and

display their items for the students to buy. As a result, a mini-market

emerged called “Kasuwar Dole” (a forced market) during the Sallah

celebration of Eidel-Kabir, the Emir used to send some rams to the students.

Likewise, during the muslim zakat or alms giving to the poor after the month

of Ramadan the Emir Alhaji Muhammadu Dikko sent food items to the

students.17

The College Admission Policy

Since the down of the colonial administration, several administrations

as well as colonial educationists emphasized the need for traditional rulers or

those close to the courts or palaces to ensure that their sons were enrolled

into the western type of schools. Indeed, that becomes the official admission

policy, which continued for a considerable period. The colonial

administration never meant to bring some class conflict between the two

57
groups as such, but rather, it was the only way they deemed fit to make the

native people embrace western education.

The traditional rulers were to set an example, which their subject were

expected to follow. The situation ensured the entrenchment of the sons of

nobility in the forefront of western education in almost all parts of the north.

Attempts were later made to remedy the situation by the Acting Director of

Education for Northern Nigeria, Mr. F.M Urling – Smith in a letter he wrote

to the colonial office in 1920, which read in part:-

“Pupils for the training college should not necessarily be drawn from

the ruling class, but from pupils at the Provincial Schools, whatever their

ranks provided that they show promise, that their parents are willing for

them to enter, and that they are not going to be required later to fill

hereditary posts under native administration.”

The early intake of Katsina College was composed of students from

the Muslim areas of Northern Nigeria. That was the policy as indicated by

Sir Hugh Clifford in 1922 when he said.

“This college is designed to serve all the Muhammadan Emirates in

Nigeria... and you are aware (that) the young men are part of the

Muhammadan states”.18

58
 With that policy, the colonial government proceeded to admit students

from mainly the “Muhammadan Emirates” as they called the Muslim

Emirates of Northern Nigeria. However, a few students featured from the

areas where the Muslim population was negligible and Emirates never

existed e.g Plateau, Benue, Kabba and the Northern Trust territory

(Cameroon).

A summary of the overall enrolment figures between October 1921

and March 1938, when the college transferred to Kaduna was as follows:-

Provinces Enrolment

Sokoto 32 Students

Kano 40 Students

Zaria 29 Students

Niger 28 Students

Bauchi 24 Students

Borno 36 Students

Ilorin 19 Students

Katsina 30 Students

Adamawa 18 Students

Plateau 5 Students

59
Further more among the prominent students of Katsina College that Malam

Muhammadu Bello Kagara taught in Katsina College around (1921 – 1938)

include the followins:

Abubakar Sokoto (1921) (Who became Madawakin Sokoto)

Gajere Dan Sarkin Gozaki (1921)

Iro Dan’iya Katsina (1921) (Who became Talban Katsina)

Muhammadu DanMalam (1924) (Who became Wamban Katsina)

Kashim Ibrahim (1925) (who became Governor of Northern region)

Musa Yar’adua Katsina (1925) (Who became Minister and Mutawallin

Katsina)

Abubakar Imam (1927) (Who became the Editor of Gaskiya tafi kwabo and

Author of Magana Jarice)

Abubakar Tafawa Balewa (1928) (Who became the first Prime Minister of

Nigeria)

Ahmadu Rabah Sokoto (1926) (Who became Premier of Northern Nigeria

and Sardaunan Sokoto)

Aliyu, Zazzau (1923) (Who became who became Turakin Zazzau)

Bukar D/p Chairman (1933)

Hassan Rafindadi (1931) (Who became Sarkin Yakin Katsina)

Haruna Gwandu (1929) (Who became Emir of Gwandu)

60
Inuwa Wada (1931) (Who became Magajin Garin Kano)

Isah Kaita (1927) (Who became Minister and Wazirin Katsina)

Isma’ila Damale (1933) (Who became Sarkin Fadan Katsina)

Mamman Sani Kontagora (1938)

Nuhu Bamalli, (1931) (Who became Magajin Garin Zazzau)

Sa’adu Zungur (1929) (Who became a Journalist)

Yahaya Gusau (1931).19

3.3 The College Transfer to Kaduna College in (1938)

During the time of Mr. E.L Mort as Principal the college was

transferred to Kaduna in the year 1938, Kaduna was chosen most likely

because of the availability of houses for European staff. However, no reason

was formally advanced by the colonial administration for the college had

this to stay on the Transfer “...we were never told why we had to move to

Kaduna: perhaps it was for the greater glory of the capital.”

As the Second World War began in 1940, the students had to give up

their buildings in Kaduna North to soldiers and move to the railway Quarters

at the Kaduna South. Some of the teachers joined the army and the college

staffing becomes a problem the transfer of Katsina college come with it a

new admission policy. Non Muslims come to be admitted from the boarder

61
provinces. Boys now come to be admitted instead of young married men.

The college curriculum was also expanded.20

3.4 His Retirement from Service In 1945

When the college transferred to Kaduna in 1938 which become

Kaduna College, all Staff and Teachers of Katsina College were transferred

to Kaduna among them was Malam Bello Kagara.

Malam Bello Kagara had spent 7 years in Kaduna College from 1938-

1945, in 1945 Malam Bello retired from government service which took him

about 31 years from 1914-1945.

In his farewell speech delivered to Kaduna College students on his

retirement from government service in 1945, Malam Bello Kagara said:-

“Ladies and Gentlemen,

Before I open my mouth to say anything, I should first of all thank

Allah the almighty and his beloved prophet Muhammad (On who be peace).

I should extend my thanks to all of you present here for the trouble you have

taken to come and say good-bye to me.

I need, today, I cannot but remember the year 1910, when Mr. G>L

Monk, the then District officer of Kagara, tore me away from my father

Alkalin Kagara, Malam Shehu Usman and sent to school.

62
 “My father was unwilling to release me for one reason and that is that

he was very suspicious of European schools. He taught that the idea behind

them was to convert boys to Christianity. He reluctantly agreed only when

he heard that almost all the Muslim Emirs in Northern Nigeria had already

sent their sons to school, and that the teaching of Arabic and Islamic studies

as well as moral training on the divine basis of Islam were among the

subjects taught in the school.

“I can remember when he was giving me his blessing and words of

good-bye he raised his hands up and said,

“Oh Allah! I have entrusted this child to your care, guard him as a devoted

follower of your chosen religion, Islam. Allah you are the best Guide.

“Turning to me he said, ‘As for you Muhammadu Bello, whenever those

Europeans take you, whatever those Europeans do to you, know that Islam is

your religion and learning is your tradition God be with you.

“By this Example you can imagine what a difficult task it was for the

education department in persuading parents to send their children to school.

But now look how rapidly the reaction of parents.

“Now my dear sons of the college past, present and future I am leaving the

college today and the education department, but it is only the department

that I am leaving. The spirit and the memory will remain in me wherever I

63
go. The college was in my hands. I have not in my life lived in any other

place longer then in the college premises. Therefore if I say that I consider

the college as my home and the inmates as my family, you may not say that I

am exaggerating. I am leaving the college because it is necessary for the old

to give way to the young. From 1914 to 1921 we were the bright stars of the

Northern provinces and now look how the world has changed so rapidly that

we are being classified among the conservatives.

“I cannot close this brief address without wishing the education department

every possible success. The success I contemplate is not only in imparling

advanced book knowledge wisdom to make good use of the knowledge.

From my little experience in the Muslim areas of the North, this success can

only be achieved by giving Islamic Religious Knowledge (I.R.K)

prominence in the college curriculum.

“And to you my dear sons, I am saying good-bye but I would like you to

cherish these words, the words my father used when he was bidding me fare

well thirty five years ago:

‘Fear God and do to others as you would like them to do to you! ‘Be reliable

and show the world by your deeds and not your words that your education

has made you better men. In fact, my dear son remembers the verse when

says:-

64
Do well under all circumstances. Goodness cannot fall to rebound.12

After his retirement from government service in 1945 Emir of Katsina

Sir Usman Nagoggo had fulfilled his fathers wishes late Alhaji Muhammadu

Dikko, to recalled Bello Kagara’s back to Katsina.

3.5 Conclusion

In conclusion, the chapter had discussed the life of Myhammadu Bello

Kagara in civil service as a teacher during colonial period. He teaches in

Zaria provisional school, Katsina Training College, Kaduna College and his

retirement from government service in 1945.

65
End Notes

M.B Kagara Diary P2

Ibid p3

NAK/2918/ provincial school zaria (1914)

Boyd J. (1986) p81

Ahmadu Bello( 1962) p302

NAK Lugard F (1903)

NAK Lugard F 1910

Indabawa S.A (1992) p20

Ibid p21

NAK/ACC/15 Katsina Province

Oral Interview with Alh Abba Kalli Wamban Katsina 79 years Katsina

M.B Kagara Ocit p11

Ibid P19

Boyd J. Opcit p51

M.B Kagara Opcit pp2-6

Ibid pp6-8

Kagara Bello (1951) p42

Paden 1986 p10

Ibid p12

66
NAK/DDN/820 Kaduna College Magazine( 1932)

M.B Kagara Opcit p51

67
CHAPTER FOUR

Introduction

In this chapter, it will be a focus on the life time achievements of

Muhammadu Bello Kagara as a public Servant, Author, Member of Katsina

Emirate Council and other reputable organisations.

4.1 Walin Katsina as an Author and National Award of (M.B.E)

As a young star, Mallam Muhammadu Bello Kagara was among the

first set of students that attended the famous school ‘Makaranta Dan-Hausa’

in Kano further more, his commitment and meritorious service to the public

qualified him to an award given to him by then His Majesty’s Government

as member of British Empire (M.B.E) in 1938 to decorate his selfless

services rendered to Katsina and Kaduna Colleges.1

In addition, a dormitory in Barewa College Zaria has been immortalized in

his name ‘Bello

Kagara House’. Katsina State Government presented his family with an

award of Honor on his behalf in recognition to his immense contributions to

the Public life. 2 Furthermore, he wrote two books, the famous Hausa novel

GANDOKI and Biography of SARKIN KATSINA MUHAMMADU

DIKKO (C.B.E) and he composed a number of unpublished poems. 3

68
4.2 Appointments as Alkali (Judge) in Katsina Native Authority in (1946

- 1967)

In 1946, an appointment of a well deserved Islamic scholar, Public

Servant, honest in person of Malam Muhammadu Bello Kagara as Karamin

Alkali under Katsina Native Authority and remain on the same capacity until

19th of April 1949 when he was promoted to Chief Alkali of Katsina.4

The facts and appointment in support of the above mentioned tittles are

contain in adocument here by attach:

4.3 Appointment/Turbaned as First (Walin Katsina in 1954)

On September 10th 1954, the then Emir of Katsina Alhaji (Sir) Usman

Nagogo, recognised the quality and benefit the people of Katsina would gain

by appointing and turbaned of Mallam Muhammad Bello Kagara as Walin

Katsina at his palace in Kangiwa.5

The emir of Katsina Alhaji (Sir) Usman Nagogo succeeded in the

appointment of Mallam Muhammad Bello Kagara as Walin Katsina by

considering the criteria’s and procedures governing the selection of Walin

Katsina which stated that the Walin Katsina must be educated in Islamic

knowledge and injunctions and a person of proven integrity. And the

selection must be done by the prestigious Iman of the Central Mosque and

the king makers before such appointment is valid which would be followed

69
by an appointment letter to be signed by the Emirate as a notification of

appointment and sworn into office.6

With the prestigious and honesty demanding appointment as Walin

Katsina Mallam Muhammadu Bello Kagara assumed office to discharge the

affairs of Justice and Religious affairs with an office situated within the

Emir’s Place. 7

Some of the duties and responsibilities discharged by the Walin

Katsina Mallam Muhammadu Bello Kagara includes; taking charge of all

the legal system of the Emirate that translated to appointments of judges

(Alkali), swearing-in of District Heads, Village Heads and other title

holders, advisory role to the emir on legal matters, passing verdicts in some

unsettled cases from the Shari’a courts as find and judging capital offence

cases such as Armed Robbery, Murder and inheritance. 8 Also, Walin

Katsina served as a speech writer to the Emir and over sees the affairs of

collection and distribution of alms (Zakkat) within the Emirate as well as an

ambassador of the emirate in relating to their Emirates. 9

But some of the some of the duties he under took were weaken and

over took by the post colonial era, rather reduced to a symbol of culture,

prestige, unity and peace among the people. 10

4.4 His Membership in Various Organisations

70
 The Walin Katsina Muhammadu Bello Kagara continued to gain more

recognition across the country Nigeria by participating as a member of

National Hajj Commission in 1961. Facilitate the proffer arrangements of

pilgrims to Saudi Arabia under the guidance and endorsement of the Prime

Minister Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa and the Premier of Northern Nigeria

Sir Ahmadu Bello the Sardauna of Sokoto who inaugurated the commission

with the membership of as follows:

Sheikh Sir Awad Muhammadu Ahmad K.B.E Grand Khadi – Chairman

Alhaji Junaidu Wazirin Sokoto - Member

Alhaji Shehu Madawkin Kano - Member

Alhaji Bello Kagara Walin Katsina - Member

Alkali Kanto Walin Burno - Member

Alkali Ali Akilu Zaria - Member

Alhaji Abubakar Maigari Gamba - Secretary

The commission set modalities concerning the following:

People without sufficient funds for the journey

Very young and old persons

Insane blind and sick people

Pregnant women

Unaccompanied women. 11

71
Walin Katsina also became a member of Jama’atul Nasril Islam (JNI) with

composition of fourty six (46) Ulama (Islamic Scholars) from Northern

Nigeria in 1963 with the first meeting convened by the Saradauna in the

same year to set moralities how the Hajj is to be performed, the translation

of currency values to aid Zakat, Dawry and also to unify the issue of moon

sighting during Ramadan for fasting. 12

Among the forty six (46) member council, a committee of twelve was

formed to make the advisory committee on Islamic Affairs (Council of

Ulama 1964) that include the following:-

Alhaji Muhammadu Bello Walin Katsina

Alhaji Muhammadu Limamin Bauchi

Alhaji Ibrahim, Birnin Kebbi Gwandu

Alhaji Muhammadu Nasir Kabara

Alhaji Tijjani Usman Zangon Barebari Kano

Alhaji Kamalul-dini, Ilorin

Alhaji Gwani Mukhtar, Burno

Alhaji Babagana Na’ibin Limamin Bida

Mallam Hussaini Arabi Jos

Alhaji Hussaini Adamu - Secretary 13

72
The advisory committee the Jama’atul Nasril Islam were hatched from a

panel of Islamic scholars formed by the acting Grand Khadi Abubakar Gumi

on January, 15 1962. 14 which had the attendance of Abuabakar Imam

(Chairman Public Service Commission Abubakar Al- Nafaty) controller of

the Nigerian Broadcasting co-operation), Sadik Abbas (Acting Grand

Khadi), Halliru Binji (Acting Judge Shari’a Court of Appeal), Musa Bida

(Inspector of Native Courts), and Hussaini Adamu (Organiser Arabic

Studies). 15

Walin Katsina and the Emir of Kano Muhammadu Sanusi were the first

members of Northern Nigeria Broadcasting Co-operation (NBC).16

4.5 Conclusion

Lastly the chapter shows the public service of Muhammadu Bello

Kagara after his retirements especially in his authorship, receive of National

Award of (MBE), his meritorious service which he rendered in Katsina

native authority, later Walin Katsina, his commitement in various

membership organisation and his demise in 1971 at Katsina.

The next chapter will summarised and conclude the whole work.

73
End Notes

See Bello Kagar’s Curriculum Vitea p3

Ibid p2

Bello’s Kagara Diary p12

F/333/Katsina State History and Culture Bureau Document Katsina (2009)

Oral Interview with Alh. Bala Katsina Magatakardan Sarkin Katsina

2othDecember (2009) Age 70 years

Oral interview with Alh. Abba Kalli Wamban Katsina 21st January, 2010

age

The Programme for the installation of Alh. Muktar Bello the third wall of

Katsina p2

Ibid p3

Ibd p5

Abba Kali Opcit

NAK PM/18/S.13VOLI Premises office January 1961

Paden N (1973) p184

Ahmadu Bello my life p550

Ibid p552

Report of the Advisory committee on Islamic Affairs 1964 p10

Ibid p11.

74
CHAPTER FIVE

SUMMARY AND CONCLUSION

5.1 Summary

This work has to study on life and times of Alhaji Muhammadu Bello

Kagara. It covered a period of seventy nine years from the time of his birth

in 1892 -1971.

The first chapter of this work as we have noted introduced the entire

work, it thus provided some literature reviewed, stated the aims and

objectives of the study, as well as the methodology and statement of the

problem. The second chapter discuss background of his family, early

childhood it also provided a comprehensive note on his educational career

up to time he took up his first appointment, his marriage of his family also

discuss.

The third chapter comprehensively discussed teaching career during

the colonial period firstly Zaria provincial school, Katsina College and

Kaduna College, and also his retirement from service.

The last chapter discussed Walin Katsina years in the public service

his authorship of two books, his award of (M.B.E) similarly his appointment

75
judge (Alkali) in Katsina native authority and appointment/turbaned as

Walin Katsina his commitments in membership in various organisation.

In the light of the above, it is clear that for over 57 years Muhammadu

Bello Kagara has been demonstrating a just, selfless and able leadership,

wisdom administration and honesty have led him to the extra-ordinary

achievements, religiously, politically, socially and economically.

5.2 Conclusion

Walin Katsina Alhaji Muhammadu Bello Kagara died on 21st

November, 1971 at his residence at Gambarawa Quarters Katsina. He is a

person whose philosophy of life and faith is according to the society that

brought him up. He received a deep Islamic education from his father who is

an Islamic scholar and jurist.

The late Walin Katsina was a distinguished scholar jurist and

traditional title holder and an author, he led an exemplary life and Allah has

bestowed him with abundant patience as a result of which he was popularly

know as “the Sheikh who reciprocate wackiness”.

Anayi Masa Lakabi da Hausa (Damo Sarkin Hakuri a jefa ka da

garwashin wuta karama da mulmulen dawo) his hobbies was reading the

holy Qur’an and Islamic literature, Teaching interested scholar Islamic

knowledge and Horse riding (Kilisa).

76
 Finally it need to be noted by up coming generation and these

qualities that Late Muhammadu Bello Kagara’s taught us no doubt his life

has some valuable foot print in the society in general.

77
General Bibliography

A. Abubakar (1997) “A BIOGRAPHY OF MUHAMMADU

JEGA” B.A

Dissertation Department of History Usman Danfodio University Sokoto

State, Nigeria.

A. Mora (1989) ABUBAKAR IMAM MEMOS,

Published in Gaskiya Cooperation Zaria Kaduna State, Nigeria.

Boyd .J. (1986) “A BASTION OF EXCELLENCE”

African events magazine l.t.d

Indabawa S.A (1992) THE KATSINA COLLEGE INCEPTION

GROWTH AND

IMPACT IN NORTHERN NIGERIA

A proper presented at similar on Islamic and History of learning in katsina

Dahiru D. and K. Imam A BIOGRAPHY OF THE EMIR OF

KATSINA SIR,

USMAN NAGOGO.

78
Published Today communication L.t.d Katsina State Nigeria.

M.B Kagara (1951) SARKIN KATSINA

MUHAMMADU DIKKO (CBE)

Publisher Gaskiya Cooperation Zaria Kaduna State Nigeria.

O. Oyewole (1995) “A BIOGRAPHY OF PROFESSOR

HALLIRU BINJI”

B.A dissertation Department History Usman Danfodio University Sokoto

State Nigeria.

Paden Jun (1980) AHMADU BELLO, SARDAUNA OF

SOKOTO (KALIS

AND LEADERSHIP IN NIGERIA

Published Huda-Huda Press Zaria, Kaduna.

S.A Lugga (1995) SHEIKH HARUNA WAZIRIN

KATSINA

Publishers in Lugga Press, Kofar Marusa Katsina State Nigeria.

79
U.Dalhat (2002) MALAM JAFARU DAN ISIYAKU THE

GREAT EMIR

OF ZAZZAU.

Published in wood power communication Zaria, Kaduna State Nigeria.

80
Unpublished Documents

NAK/2918/ Provincial School Zaria (1914)

NAK/1903/ Colonial reports Lugard office

NAK/1910/ Colonial reports Lugard office

NAK/ACC/15 Katsina Province

NAK/DDN/820/ Kaduna College Magazine (1932)

NAK PM/12/S.13 VOL I Premier office (1961)

F/333/Katsina State History and Culture Bureau Document Kano State

History and Cultural Bureau Document Kano.

Personal Diary of Muhammadu Bello Kagara.

Mummadu Bello Kagara (M.B.E) Curriculum Vitae.

List of Interviewers

Alhaji Habibu Bello 56 years 10th March 2010 Kaduna.

Alhaji Mustapha Imam 73 years 2nd December 2009 Katsina

Alhaji Sani Imam 75 years 10 march 2010 Kaduna

Alhaji Aminu Bello 67 years 20th November 2009 Katsina

Alhaji Ahmad Bello 60 years 18th April 2010 Katsina

Alhaji Musa Ahmad Kano 20th January 60 years 11th November 2009 Kano

81
Alhaji Abba Kalli Wambai 20th January 2010 Katsina

Alhaji Bala Katsina Magatakarda 75 years 20 December 2009 Katsina

Hajiya Fatima Ibrahim Talba 90 years 2nd February 2010 katsina

82