| abstract | - Gobarau is reputed to the first multi-storey building in West Africa; it is believed to have been built during the reign of Sarkin Katsina (King) Muhammadu Korau (1398-1408 AD) -- the first Muslim King of Katsina. Other sources date the structure from the 16th to 18th centuries, with a major reconstruction taking place in the early 20th century. Originally built as the central Mosque of Katsina town, it was later used also as a school. By the beginning of the 16th century, Katsina had become a very important commercial and academic center in Hausaland, and Gobarau mosque had grown into a famed institution of higher Islamic education. Gobarau continued to be Katsina's Central mosque until the beginning of the 20th century AD, when Sarkin Katsina Muhammadu Dikko (1906-1944) built the famous Masallacin Dutsi, which is still used up to this day. The mosque and tower were renovated by Sarkin Katsina Muhammadu Kabir Usman (1981-2008).
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