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Gov. Yusuf Receives International Literacy Award for Education Reforms
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
The Civil Society Action Coalition on Education for All (CSACEFA), Kano State Chapter, has elected Hassan Ibrahim Gama as its new State Coordinator.
KANO FOCUS reports that Gama emerged unopposed during the coalition’s 2026 state election, which was described as peaceful and transparent.
The election was conducted by an election committee chaired by Dr. Auwalu Halilu, who said the exercise marked another milestone in strengthening the coalition’s leadership and its commitment to promoting inclusive and quality education in Kano State.
Other officers elected are Mahdi Abdullahi, Deputy Coordinator; Sunusi Hashim, Secretary; Dr. Abubakar I. Hassan, Assistant Secretary; Ghazali I. U., PRO I; Abdulbaki Mohd, PRO II; and Muhammad Abdullahi, PRO III.
Others are Garba Hamma Dikko, Provost; Rukayya Abdulrahman, Financial Secretary; Saratu Maigida, Treasurer; and Suleiman Zubair, Auditor.
Halilu expressed appreciation to the CSACEFA National Secretariat, represented at the election by its Policy Advisor, Mrs Ordinaka, for the guidance and support provided throughout the electoral process.
He also commended members of the election committee, CSACEFA Kano members and other stakeholders for their cooperation in ensuring the success of the exercise.
The election committee chairman congratulated the newly elected leadership and urged them to build on the achievements of the coalition by strengthening civil society participation, advocacy, accountability and strategic partnerships.
He tasked the new executives with working towards improving education service delivery and advancing the Education for All agenda in Kano State.
The former Kano State Coordinator of CSACEFA, Prof. Muhammad Bello Shitu, and the Kano State Chairman of the School-Based Management Committee (SBMC) Alhaji Tijjani Haladu Baraya, were among the dignitaries who supervised the conduct of the election.
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has described the Hausa people as important pillars of Nigeria’s unity and progress.
KANO FOCUS reports that the President said the Hausa language had grown beyond its traditional boundaries to become a major language of unity and commerce across the world.
Tinubu stated this in a message posted on his verified Facebook account on the occasion of Hausa Day, being celebrated at the historic Daura Palace.
“The Hausa people are great pillars that play a vital role in the unity and progress of Nigeria,” the President said.
He added that “the Hausa language, without doubt, has flourished and has become a major language of unity and commerce across the world.”
The President congratulated the Hausa community on the occasion, describing the celebration at Daura Palace as an important event.
“I congratulate the vast Hausa community on the occasion of Hausa Day, which is being celebrated at the historic Daura Palace today,” Tinubu said.
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, has urged Muslims across the state and Nigeria to emulate the exemplary life and teachings of Prophet Muhammad (SAW) as they commemorate Maulud.
KANO FOCUS reports that the governor made the call in a statement issued by his spokesman, Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, on Tuesday.
Yusuf congratulated Muslims on the occasion and urged them to use the celebration to reflect on the life and teachings of the Prophet, particularly his virtues of peace, justice, compassion, honesty, patience and tolerance.
He called on Muslims to demonstrate these values in their daily lives while promoting peaceful coexistence, unity and mutual respect among people of diverse backgrounds.
The governor also urged parents, religious leaders and community elders to intensify efforts to educate younger generations on the teachings and exemplary conduct of Prophet Muhammad (SAW).
Yusuf prayed for continued peace, stability and prosperity in Kano State and Nigeria, while urging residents to support initiatives aimed at improving the wellbeing of citizens.
The governor also used the occasion to pray for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima, wishing them a successful first tenure and a smooth re-election bid in 2027.
He urged Muslims to use the Maulud celebration to pray for peace, progress and unity across the country, and wished the faithful a peaceful and spiritually rewarding celebration.
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