His father was the grandson of Sarkin Zazzau Hammada and great-grandson of Sarki Yamusa (1821-1834)[1] Ja'afaru's early education consisted of teachings and recitation of the Quran at an Islamic learning center in the neighborhood.
[2] He spent his first seven years in the district of Sabon Gari in his father house, thereafter, he journeyed to Zaria for additional Quranic studies.
[2] He was among a few students from royal lineage who attended the school as Western education was treated with suspicion by many Northern emirs as a vehicle to preach Christianity at that time.
When the district head of Zangon Katab removed from office for embezzling funds from the cattle tax, Ja'afaru was selected as his replacement in 1918.
The British resident appointed Ja'afaru as Sarkin Zazzau in March 1937 after consultation with the traditional kingmakers: Galadiman, Dokaje and Limamin.