CENTER FOR HISTORICAL DOCUMENTATION AND RESEACH

(AREWA HOUSE)

Historical Background

Arewa House is the center for historical documentation and research of the Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria. It is located at No. 1 Rabah Road, in the Residence of the late Premier of Northern Nigeria, Sir Ahmadu Bello Sokoto, Sardauna of Sokoto. The center is concerned, not only with research and documentation of the history and culture of the people, but also with contemporary studies on Policy, Peace and Leadership. The aim of the House therefore is to serve as a center for documentation and research in history and contemporary challenges.

Though under the authority of Ahmadu Bello University Zaria, Arewa House has an independent Board of Trustees and Governing Council. It is headed by an executive Director, who runs the day-to-day activities of the House.

As a center for historical documentation and research, Arewa House is concerned with procuring, preserving, analyzing and discussing issues of national and International interest and in particular with issues of specific interest to the development of northern Nigeria. The history of Arewa House as a Center for Research and Historical Documentation goes back to the year 1970 when the “History of Northern Nigerian Committee” was given the responsibility of writing a book on the history of northern Nigeria. This was after the dissolution of the three regional governments in the country and the creation of twelve states, which also led to the establishment of the “Joint Interim Common Services Agency” (ICSA) to oversee the joint assets and liabilities of the six newly created northern states. It was in this respect that the residence of the late premier of the Northern region, Sir Ahmadu Bello Sardauna, was formally approved to serve as an office for this project with the name “Arewa House”.

A distinguished scholar, Professor Abdullahi Smith, founding member of the Dept. of History, A.B.U. was appointed as its first Director. In 1975, the control of Arewa House was transferred to Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria on the orders of the then Federal Government of Nigeria. Under Professor Smith, a solid foundation was set that made Arewa House a unique place for research and historical documentation in the whole of West Africa. Arewa House is today one of the few reputable research centers with an enviable core collection of books and manuscripts including higher degree dissertations from various Universities in Nigeria and abroad. These dissertations cut across different fields of study, most particularly humanities and social sciences. Most of these dissertations are of thematic interest to the study of Northern Nigeria. These collections are further strengthened by a rare collection of Arabic manuscripts, Premier’s office records, government publications, Newspapers and other serial publications, which are housed in the Archives.

Arewa House welcomes research students and provides research affiliation to students from all parts of the world conducting research on any aspects of the state and society in Northern Nigeria.

Arewa House has a moderate and affordable accommodation for researchers who are duly registered with it. Other facilities include a Conference hall, Training rooms, Bookshop, Internet Café, Business center and a Restaurant.

Arewa House is made up of the following Units:

• Archives
• Library,
• Museum
• NERP

Arewa House Key Officers

• Chairman, Board of Trustee               -Alhaji Yahaya Gusau
• Chairman, Governing Council            - Alhaji Muhammadu Yakubu
• Director, Arewa House                     -Dr. Mahmoud Hamman
• Chairman, Research Committee                 -Dr. George A. Kwanashie