sokoto

Sokoto is a state in the northwestern part of Nigeria. Its capital and largest city is Sokoto, which sits on the Sokoto River and serves as a historical and cultural center for the region. The state is predominantly Hausa and Fulani in ethnicity, and Islam is the major religion.

Sokoto State traces its historic significance to the Sokoto Caliphate, established by Usman dan Fodio in the early 19th century. The caliphate expanded across large parts of present‑day northern Nigeria and parts of the Sahel, influencing politics, education, and culture. The city of Sokoto hosts the seat of the Sultan of Sokoto, a traditional and religious leadership role. In the late 20th century, the Nigerian federation reorganized its states, and Sokoto State was created in 1996 as part of that process.

The state lies in a Sahelian climate zone with a short wet season and long dry season. The Sokoto River and its tributaries form a network in the area. The economy is largely agricultural, with crops such as millet, sorghum, and groundnuts, along with livestock herding and small-scale trade. Cultural heritage sites, including historic palaces, attract visitors.

The population is concentrated in urban and rural communities with a strong emphasis on Islamic scholarship and traditional institutions. The state hosts Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto, a major center of higher education established in the 1970s, along with numerous colleges and schools.