A HISTORY OF COLONIAL INFRASTRUCTURES
CHAPTER ONE
GENERAL
INTRODUCTION
1.1 Introduction
With the colonial conquest of Katsina
Emirate in 1903 the British colonial masters established social, economic and political policies in order to archive
their objective which was not far away from economic exploitation. Some of these policies include the Native
Authority System, the of Katsina College in 1921, Native Authority Treasury, Native Authority Agric Department,
Native Authority Health Department and Native Authority Police Department among others. It is imperative to note
that all these efforts made by the British government were aimed to facilitate economic exploitation and political
oppression, in Katsina metropolis.
This research is therefore attempted to examine the history of Katsina prior the advent of colonialism. The
research also analyzed the British conquest and occupation of Katsina metropolis as well as the political and
economic changes that took place during the colonial period. But the work centered on the History of Colonial
Infrastructures in Katsina Metropolis, 1903-1960.9
1.2 Statement of the Problem
Colonial infrastructure refers to the basic facilities needed for the functioning of community or society which were
provided or established by the colonial government during colonial period. For example, Native Authority,
Treasury, Central Prison, Katsina College to mention but a few. Several researches have been carried out on
colonialism in Katsina metropolis but nothing much has been said about the colonial infrastructure in Katsina
metropolis which to date. Therefore, the need to study a history of colonial Infrastructure in Katsina Metropolis
1903 to 1960 became imperative, because of the fact that literatures about the colonial infrastructure are very
rare. Notwithstanding, the study of these colonial infrastructure in Katsina is vital. It is therefore, important to
identify some crucial questions on based on our area of study.
a. Why did the British conquered and occupied Katsina?
b. Why British established such infrastructure?
c. How did the infrastructure impacted the life of Katsina people?
d. Is the infrastructure still in existence?
This research will therefore attempt to critically examine the aforementioned questions so as to obtain a concise
and readable research.
1.3 significance of the study
A study of colonial infrastructure in katsina metropolis is very important because it portray the nature and
significance of the colonial infrastructure if there is any. This research is also important owing to the fact that it
acquaints us with, the knowledge of colonial activities used to facilitate the consolidation of colonial rule in Katsina
metropolis most of these colonial infrastructures were also constructed through local labour and resources of
Katsina. In addition, the research also contributes educationally to the existing knowledge of colonial infrastructure
in Katsina metropolis
A HISTORY OF COLONIAL INFRASTRUCTURES