Commonwealth Heritage Forum Enhances Traditional Architecture at Kano's Gidan Makama Museum

The Commonwealth Heritage Forum (CHF) has successfully conducted a significant heritage skills training program at Gidan Makama, one of the notable historic locations in Kano. This two-week initiative took place at the end of January 2026 and brought together emerging architects, artisans, and heritage specialists, aimed at promoting traditional building techniques and conservation strategies necessary for safeguarding Kano's rich architectural heritage.

Participants benefited from practical workshops and explorations of the site, investigating the unique earthen architecture of Gidan Makama, its decorative plasterwork, and cultural relevance. This project not only played a critical role in preserving essential skills but also nurtured a new generation of advocates committed to protecting Kano's cultural legacy.

Coordinated by Henry Ajene Studio (HASL) in collaboration with the National Commission for Museums and Monuments (NCMM) and the Architecture Department at Bayero University Kano (BUK), the program is part of the Queen Elizabeth II Platinum Jubilee Commonwealth Heritage Skills Training initiative. Funded by the Vinehill Trust, it invited young artisans and architecture students, along with built-environment professionals, to partake in an intensive program that focused on conserving the distinct earthen architecture of northern Nigeria. Participants engaged in workshops, site documentation, and field visits throughout Kano's historic areas.

Gidan Makama, one of the oldest remaining structures in Kano, served as the central venue for this training and held a prominent position within the emirate's political authority. Erected in the 15th century, the building exemplifies traditional Hausa architecture, characterized by its earthen walls, layered courtyards, and detailed plasterwork, which reflects a long history of craftsmanship and adaptation to the environment. For the trainees, this site acted as an interactive classroom, providing firsthand experience with traditional construction methods that are at risk of being forgotten. Alongside seasoned craftsmen, they delved into techniques such as earthen wall restoration, traditional plaster application, and documentation of historical materials.

This initiative addresses the mounting concerns surrounding the decline of heritage skills in the region, where contemporary building practices are rapidly supplanting traditional methods.

Philip Davies OBE, CEO/Founder of the Commonwealth Heritage Forum, expressed, "This project is one of the 70 we are supporting across the Commonwealth and the broader Anglosphere through our Queen Elizabeth II Platinum Jubilee Commonwealth Heritage Skills Training Programme, funded by the Vinehill Trust. It aligns perfectly with our core mission to assist communities in training for heritage skills in areas where local built heritage is at risk."

Project Lead, Prince Henry Ajene, also highlighted the unique learning environment at Gidan Makama, saying, "It provided participants with direct interaction with the materials, techniques, and spatial logic inherent in Hausa architecture. Our aim was not only to preserve this important structure but also to equip a new generation with the skills and confidence needed to extend this legacy throughout Nigeria and beyond."

Ms. Rose Madaki, Director of NCMM Northwest and Curator of Gidan Makama, remarked, "Kano holds a vital place in Hausa culture, and this training is a crucial measure in safeguarding our traditional architecture. By gathering individuals to acquire these skills, we assure that this heritage remains comprehensible, appreciated, and preserved."

Dr. Salim Bashir Umar, the Head of the Architecture Department at BUK, noted during the closing program that this initiative signifies BUK's ongoing commitment to impactful education, heritage skill preservation, and international academic collaboration, enhancing its reputation as a center for academic excellence and innovation.

Field visits were an integral aspect of the training, allowing attendees to learn about sites such as the Emir’s Palace and Nigeria's ancient city walls, which offer a deeper understanding of the historical and political factors that contributed to the city’s growth as a substantial trading and governance hub in West Africa.

The organizers emphasized that this initiative is part of a broader movement to reconnect younger generations with building knowledge that is gradually fading. By pairing architecture students with experienced artisans, the program fostered intergenerational exchanges, ensuring that the skills required for maintaining historic structures are preserved. The combination of practical training, heritage documentation, and community cooperation aims to enhance the longevity of Kano's historic environment, as well as to build local capabilities for conservation throughout the region.

The program concluded with a well-attended closing ceremony, featuring key dignitaries and stakeholders from Kano State. High-ranking representatives from both the Emir of Kano, HRH Khalifa Muhammad Sanusi II, and the Commissioner for Culture and Tourism graced the event, underscoring the program's importance to both traditional and governmental realms. The Emir was represented by Alhaji Mukhtar Ibrahim Bello, Falakin Kano, and the Commissioner by Auwalu Abubakar Yau, the Acting Permanent Secretary of the Kano State Ministry of Culture and Tourism. The ceremony culminated with the presentation of certificates to participants, followed by a formal appreciation message from Ahmad Ado Muhammad of the NCMM, who acknowledged the collaboration of all partners, trainers, and participants and emphasized the program's lasting influence on reinforcing heritage skills and capacity within the region.