Waqf (Islamic Endowment) Administration and Property Management in Kano: Challenges and Prospects

Waqf (Islamic endowment) constitutes a permanent charitable trust under Islamic law through which property is dedicated for religious, educational, or social welfare purposes in perpetuity. In Kano State, historical Waqf properties including mosques, schools, and agricultural lands represent significant economic assets whose mismanagement has led to institutional decay and legal disputes. This study examines the legal framework, administrative structure, and management challenges of Waqf properties in Kano State, Nigeria. A descriptive documentary analysis is adopted, reviewing relevant Kano State Waqf legislation, Hubusi Commission governance documents, and land registry records pertaining to registered Waqf assets alongside structured interviews with twelve Waqf administrators and beneficiary community representatives. The study investigates the conditions for valid Waqf creation, trustee obligations under classical jurisprudence, and the legal mechanisms for protecting Waqf property from encroachment. Existing literature identifies absence of a comprehensive Waqf registry, unauthorised disposition of Waqf properties by trustees, and inadequate judicial oversight as the primary management failures. The classical doctrine of Waqf al-Ahli and Waqf al-Khayri provides the normative framework for evaluating administrative compliance. Findings are expected to reveal significant governance gaps in Waqf property management. Recommendations address digital Waqf registration, independent trustee audit mechanisms, and legislative reform of the Kano State Waqf management framework. Keywords: Waqf, Islamic endowment, Kano State, property management, Hubusi Commission.