Kano State Governor, Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf, has received the prestigious International Literacy and Learning Leadership Award in recognition of his bold leadership and unwavering commitment to transforming education in Kano State.
This was contained in a statement issued by the Governor’s Spokesperson, Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, on Saturday.
The award was presented by Universal Learning Solutions (ULS) during a special ceremony held at the historic Stationers’ Hall in the City of London, United Kingdom, as part of activities marking the 20th anniversary of Jolly Phonics in Africa.
The award was received on behalf of Governor Yusuf by His Royal Highness, Muhammadu Sanusi II, the Emir of Kano, who represented the Governor at the high-profile international event attended by education experts, development partners and policymakers from across Africa and beyond.
According to the organisers, the award recognises Governor Yusuf’s remarkable investment in education, particularly his historic decision to allocate 30 per cent of Kano State’s budget to education, one of the highest education budgetary commitments in Nigeria.
The organisers noted that the Governor’s sustained investments are driving comprehensive reforms aimed at improving learning outcomes, expanding access to quality education and ensuring that every child in Kano has the opportunity to succeed.
In his acceptance remarks, the Emir of Kano described education as the most powerful tool for social transformation and commended Governor Yusuf for placing education at the centre of his administration’s development agenda.
He stressed that governments, communities and development partners must work together to guarantee every child’s right to literacy and quality education, regardless of background or social status.
The Emir also highlighted the potential of the Jolly Phonics programme in strengthening literacy among Almajiri children by building on their existing Arabic literacy acquired through Qur’anic education while equipping them with English reading and writing skills.
His address received wide acclaim from delegates, who described it as a compelling call for inclusive and evidence-based education reforms capable of reaching every child.
Speaking during the ceremony, the Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Universal Learning Solutions, Gary Foxcroft, praised Governor Yusuf’s exceptional leadership and commitment to investing in the future of children through education.
He said Governor Yusuf’s education reforms demonstrate what is possible when political leadership places learning and human capital development at the heart of governance.
Foxcroft also described the Emir’s vision for integrating Almajiri children into literacy programmes as both inspiring and transformational.
Universal Learning Solutions reaffirmed its long-term partnership with the Kano State Government, pledging continued collaboration in expanding the implementation of Jolly Phonics, strengthening teacher capacity and improving literacy outcomes across schools in the state.
The international recognition further reinforces Kano State’s growing reputation as a leading centre for education reform in Africa, following a series of global commendations for the administration’s sustained investment in improving access to quality education.