Gov. Yusuf Receives International Literacy Award for Education Reforms
Kano State Governor, Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf, has been honoured with the prestigious International Literacy and Learning Leadership Award in recognition of his leadership and commitment to transforming the education sector in Kano State.
According to a statement signed by the *Director General, Media and Publicity, Government House Kano, Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, the award was presented by Universal Learning Solutions (ULS) during a ceremony held at the historic Stationers' Hall in the City of London, United Kingdom, as part of activities marking the 20th anniversary of the Jolly Phonics programme in Africa.
The statement said the Emir of Kano, His Royal Highness Muhammadu Sanusi II, received the award on behalf of Governor Yusuf at the event, which attracted education experts, development partners and policymakers from across Africa and beyond.
It explained that the organisers recognised Governor Yusuf for his administration's investment in education, particularly the allocation of *30 per cent of Kano State's budget to the sector, one of the highest education budgetary commitments in Nigeria. The organisers noted that the sustained investment is driving reforms aimed at improving learning outcomes, expanding access to quality education and ensuring that every child in the state has the opportunity to succeed.
According to the statement, the Emir of Kano, in his acceptance remarks, 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 also called on governments, communities and development partners to work together to guarantee every child's right to literacy and quality education.
The statement further quoted the Emir as highlighting 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. It added that his address received widespread commendation from delegates, who described it as a strong call for inclusive and evidence-based education reforms.
The statement also said the Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Universal Learning Solutions, Gary Foxcroft, praised Governor Yusuf's commitment to investing in education, describing the reforms as evidence of what can be achieved when political leadership prioritises learning and human capital development. It added that Universal Learning Solutions reaffirmed its partnership with the Kano State Government to expand the implementation of Jolly Phonics, strengthen teacher capacity and improve literacy outcomes across schools in the state.
