[3][2]: 339 Appointed military governor of the old Kano State in May 1967, Bako undertook reforms of the local governments which had been dominated by the traditional emirs.

[6] Using the teachings of Shehu Usman dan Fodio as justification, Bako established primary, secondary and teachers training colleges for women and children.

Between 1970 and 1973, his administration built the much larger Tiga Dam, aiming to boost agricultural production through irrigation.

[11] However, although well-intentioned, the dams caused considerable problems in the downstream Hadejia-Nguru wetlands, and turned out to have negative net economic value.

[15] The Audu Bako prize is awarded each year to the winner of the Kano International Polo Tournament.