Kurmawa Prison Museum project announced as Kano State plans to transform the colonial-era prison into a cultural and educational hub after inmate transfer to Janguza

Kurmawa Prison Museum is set to become Kano State’s latest cultural landmark, following the government’s announcement to transform the 115-year-old colonial prison into a museum.

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Built in 1910 by the British colonial administration and located within the Kano Emir’s Palace, Kurmawa Maximum Security Prison has long stood as a towering symbol of the city’s colonial and correctional past.

Originally designed to hold 690 inmates, the prison’s transformation marks a significant shift in the state’s approach to heritage preservation and urban development.

Announcing the development on Monday, the Special Adviser on Information, Ibrahim Adam, said on his verified Facebook page that the Kano State Government, under the leadership of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, will relocate all inmates currently housed in Kurmawa to a newly built correctional facility in Janguza.

The Janguza center, constructed during the Buhari administration, can accommodate up to 3,000 inmates.

“This move is part of our broader heritage revamp,” Adam said. “The Kurmawa Prison Museum will serve as an educational, cultural, and tourism center, showcasing historical artifacts and celebrating Kano’s rich legacy.”

He added that the conversion will not only preserve architectural and historical elements of the prison but also help promote tourism and enhance educational outreach in the ancient city.

Adam emphasized the dual purpose behind the transformation: “We want to preserve our heritage and at the same time provide a more decent and secure environment for inmates.”

The Kurmawa Prison Museum is expected to attract tourists, historians, and students, positioning itself alongside other heritage centers in Northern Nigeria.

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The announcement has sparked excitement across social media, where residents and culture advocates welcomed the initiative as a powerful step toward honoring Kano’s past while embracing its future.