09 · Explore
The Hausa in modern times: independence, states, Sharia and Niger
In 1960 the North was the largest region of a new country. Since then Hausa communities have lived through coups, new states, religious reform, insecurity and a media revolution.
From the Premier in Kaduna to a Sharia court in Zamfara, from the markets of Maradi to a BBC bulletin in Hausa: this chapter follows the Hausa world from 1960 to today, with its achievements and its hard questions.
In this chapter
01The Northern Region and independence
A Premier in Kaduna, a Prime Minister in Lagos and a party of commoners.
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02Coups, civil war and the splitting of the North
The coups of 1966, twelve states and what happened to the old North.
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03Sharia, reform and insecurity
Penal codes, reform movements and the crises of the north-east and north-west.
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04Hausa in Niger and across borders
A border drawn across Hausaland, and Hausa speakers from Maradi to Accra.
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05Radio, screens and a global language
The BBC in Hausa since 1957, universities and a language on every screen.
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