Ibrahim Khalil

The Kano State Accountability Forum on Education (K-SAFE) has congratulated Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf on receiving the International Literacy and Learning Leadership Award, describing the recognition as a validation of his administration’s investment in education.

In a statement issued on Saturday by its Public Relations Officer, Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim, the education advocacy coalition said the award, presented by Universal Learning Solutions (ULS) in London, reflects the governor’s commitment to transforming the education sector in Kano State.

K-SAFE said the international recognition acknowledged Governor Yusuf’s decision to allocate 30 per cent of the state’s budget to education, describing the move as one of the most significant commitments to the sector in Nigeria.

According to the forum, the investment has strengthened Kano’s position as a leading example of political commitment to improving access to quality education and literacy.

The group noted that the award also recognised the administration’s reforms aimed at improving learning outcomes, expanding access to education, strengthening teacher development and ensuring that children across the state receive quality education.

K-SAFE commended the state government for adopting evidence-based education reforms and building partnerships with local and international organisations to improve foundational literacy in schools.

It also praised the government’s collaboration with development partners in implementing literacy initiatives such as the Jolly Phonics programme.

The forum further commended the Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II, for representing the governor at the award ceremony and for advocating inclusive education.

According to the statement, the Emir’s call for integrating Almajiri children into literacy programmes while preserving their Islamic educational heritage demonstrates the importance of inclusive approaches to education.

K-SAFE urged the Kano State Government to sustain the momentum by increasing investment in school infrastructure, strengthening accountability, enhancing teacher capacity and tackling the challenge of out-of-school children.

The coalition also reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the state government through policy advocacy, citizen engagement and independent monitoring to improve education outcomes.

“We congratulate Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf on this remarkable international achievement and wish him greater success in his efforts to transform education and secure a brighter future for every child in Kano State,” the statement said.

Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim

Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, has received the International Literacy and Learning Leadership Award in recognition of his administration’s education reforms and investment in the sector.

KANO FOCUS reports that the award was presented by Universal Learning Solutions (ULS) at a ceremony held at the historic Stationers’ Hall in the City of London, United Kingdom, during activities marking the 20th anniversary of the Jolly Phonics programme in Africa, according to a statement issued on Saturday by the governor’s spokesperson, Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa.

The Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II, received the award on behalf of the governor at the event, which was attended by education experts, development partners and policymakers from across Africa and beyond.

According to the organisers, the award recognises Governor Yusuf’s commitment to education, particularly his administration’s decision to allocate 30 per cent of the state’s budget to the sector, one of the highest education budget allocations by a Nigerian state.

The organisers said the investment has supported reforms aimed at improving learning outcomes, expanding access to quality education and increasing opportunities for children across Kano State.

In his acceptance remarks, the Emir of Kano described education as the most effective tool for social transformation and commended Governor Yusuf for making it a priority of his administration.

He urged governments, communities and development partners to work together to ensure every child, regardless of background, has access to literacy and quality education.

The monarch also highlighted the potential of the Jolly Phonics literacy programme to improve learning among Almajiri children by building on their existing Arabic literacy acquired through Qur’anic education while helping them develop English reading and writing skills.

His remarks drew applause from participants, who described them as a strong call for inclusive and evidence-based education reforms.

Speaking at the ceremony, the Co-founder and Chief Executive Officer of Universal Learning Solutions, Gary Foxcroft, praised Governor Yusuf’s commitment to investing in education.

Mr Foxcroft said the governor’s reforms demonstrated the impact of prioritising learning and human capital development in governance. He also described the Emir’s proposal for integrating Almajiri children into literacy programmes as both “inspiring” and “transformational.”

Universal Learning Solutions reaffirmed its partnership with the Kano State Government, pledging continued collaboration in expanding the Jolly Phonics programme, strengthening teacher training and improving literacy outcomes in schools across the state.

The organisation said the award reflects growing international recognition of Kano State’s efforts to improve access to quality education through sustained investment and policy reforms.

Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim

Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, has constituted a high-level Political Advisory Team to provide strategic political guidance and policy advice to his administration as it pursues its governance agenda.

KANO FOCUS reports that the advisory body, which will function as a committee and strategic think tank, is expected to support the administration in navigating political challenges and advancing the governor’s “Kano First” development agenda.

The committee was inaugurated by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Alhaji Umar Faruk Ibrahim, on behalf of the governor.

Speaking during the inauguration, Alhaji Ibrahim said the appointments reflected the administration’s confidence in the integrity, experience and patriotism of the members.

He said the committee was established at a time when the government was managing the complexities of governance amid increasing political competition.

According to him, the advisory team will provide the governor with strategic advice on engaging political stakeholders, including opposition parties, with the aim of promoting political tolerance, inclusiveness and effective governance.

The SSG said the committee would also advise the government on strategies for addressing emerging political challenges while ensuring that the administration remained focused on its development objectives.

He added that members would recommend measures to prevent political violence, resolve intra-party disagreements and strengthen unity and cooperation necessary for political stability and socio-economic development.

Alhaji Ibrahim said the committee would further provide recommendations on aligning local and national political priorities with the state’s “Kano First” blueprint to ensure policy consistency and improved service delivery.

The committee is chaired by Professor Habu Muhammad Fagge, while its members include Nasidi Abdullahi, Hajiya Azumi Namadi Bebeji, Isa Ahmad, Mustapha Hussain, Ibrahim Ado Kurawa, Nasir Ja’afar Kura, Mahe Bashir Wali, Muzammil Sani Hanga, Aliyu Isa Aliyu, Hamza Buhari Bakwana and Hamisu Sadi Ali. Fa’iza Adhama will serve as secretary.

The SSG urged the committee to submit periodic reports and brief the governor regularly to facilitate the implementation of its recommendations.

Responding on behalf of the committee, its chairman, Professor Fagge, thanked Governor Yusuf for the confidence reposed in the members.

He described the committee as a significant innovation, saying that previous administrations largely relied on individual political advisers rather than a structured advisory body.

Professor Fagge pledged that members would discharge their responsibilities with professionalism, dedication and patriotism in support of the administration’s efforts to promote peace, development and good governance in Kano State.