Abba Kabir Yusuf has received the International Literacy and Learning Leadership Award in recognition of his administration’s education reforms, with organisers citing Kano State’s record allocation of 30 per cent of its budget to education as a major factor behind the honour.
The award was presented by Universal Learning Solutions (ULS) at a ceremony held at the historic Stationers’ Hall in the City of London during activities marking the 20th anniversary of the Jolly Phonics programme in Africa.
A statement issued on Saturday by Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, spokesperson to the Kano State governor, said Muhammadu Sanusi II received the award on Yusuf’s behalf at the event, which attracted education experts, policymakers and development partners from across Africa and beyond.
According to the organisers, Yusuf was recognised for his commitment to improving access to quality education through sustained investment and reforms aimed at raising learning outcomes across Kano State.
They noted that the administration’s decision to devote 30 per cent of the state’s budget to education ranks among the highest education budgetary allocations in Nigeria and has strengthened efforts to expand learning opportunities for children.
Speaking after receiving the award, Muhammadu Sanusi II described education as the most effective instrument for social transformation and commended Yusuf for making the sector a central pillar of his administration’s development agenda.
He urged governments, communities and development partners to collaborate in ensuring that every child has access to literacy and quality education, irrespective of social or economic background.
Sanusi also highlighted the potential of the Jolly Phonics programme to improve literacy among Almajiri children by building on the Arabic literacy they acquire through Qur’anic education while introducing them to English reading and writing skills.
The organisers said his remarks were well received by participants, who described them as a strong case for inclusive and evidence-based education reforms.
Gary Foxcroft, co-founder and chief executive officer of Universal Learning Solutions, praised Yusuf for prioritising education and human capital development, saying the governor’s reforms demonstrate the impact of political leadership that places learning at the centre of governance.
Foxcroft also described Sanusi’s proposal for integrating Almajiri children into structured literacy programmes as both innovative and transformative.
Universal Learning Solutions reaffirmed its partnership with the Kano State Government, pledging continued support for the expansion of the Jolly Phonics programme, teacher capacity development and initiatives aimed at improving literacy outcomes across schools in the state.
The latest recognition adds to a series of international commendations received by the Kano State Government over its education policies, reinforcing its ambition to position the state as a leading hub for education reform in Africa.
