Katsina and Zaria are ancient cities and are among the original Hausa Bakwai states, existing long before the 19th-century Jihad. There has been a long-standing commercial relationship between the two regions dating back to the era of Trans-Saharan trade. Between the 17th century and the late 18th century, Katsina was one of the major centers of Trans-Saharan commerce in Hausaland. This made Katsina a hub for trade links with regions such as Bilad al-Sudan, the Maghreb, Agadez, and others. Zazzau was one of the states that maintained strong trading relations with Katsina.
2. In terms of education, Katsina once served as a major center of Islamic learning due to the renowned Gobarau University located in Katsina city. Historical records indicate that Gobarau University originated from the first Jumu’ah (Friday) mosque in Katsina, which later developed into a major center for Islamic education. It is widely believed that this mosque was not only the first Jumu’ah mosque in Katsina, but also the first in all of Hausaland. The mosque later became the first university in Katsina, attracting scholars from Arab lands and Bilad al-Sudan, who came to teach and study various branches of Islamic and other forms of knowledge. Among the earliest scholars of this institution was Aida Ahmad, popularly known as Dantakun, who came to Katsina from Sankore University in Timbuktu (present-day Mali), among others. Many students from Zazzau studied at Gobarau University.
3. During the 19th-century Jihad led by Sheikh Usman Dan Fodio, both Katsina and Zazzau were among the regions where the Mujaddadi Sheikh raised the banner of Islamic reform. In Zaria, Malam Musa was given the jihad flag, while in Katsina three flags were issued: to Malam Na Alhaji, Umarun Dunyawa, and Umarun Dallaje, the latter of whom later became the Emir of Katsina. Even after the establishment of the Sokoto Caliphate, Katsina and Zazzau continued to maintain strong ties in education and trade.
4. Furthermore, historical accounts show that the late Emir of Zazzau, Dr. Shehu Idris, was of Katsina origin, as his ancestors were originally from Katsina.
5. During the colonial period (Western education), the first Teachers’ Training College was established in Katsina in 1922. Many students from Zaria attended Katsina College. Among them was the late Alhaji Nuhu Bamalli, who later became a Regional Minister during the First Republic. His role further strengthened the relationship between Katsina and Zazzau.
Alhaji Musa Gambo, Kofar Soro.
