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.
