Gov. Yusuf Wins International Education Leadership Award in London for Kano’s Education Reforms

Kano State Governor, Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf, has been honoured with the International Literacy and Learning Leadership Award in recognition of his commitment to advancing education and literacy through bold policy reforms in the state.

The recognition was announced in a statement issued on Saturday by the Governor’s spokesperson, Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa.

The award was presented by Universal Learning Solutions (ULS) at a special ceremony held at the historic Stationers’ Hall in the City of London, United Kingdom, during events marking the 20th anniversary of the Jolly Phonics programme in Africa.

Governor Yusuf was represented at the ceremony by the Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II, who received the award on his behalf before an audience of education experts, development partners and policymakers from across Africa and beyond.

According to the organisers, the award recognises Governor Yusuf’s landmark decision to allocate 30 per cent of Kano State’s budget to education one of the highest education budget allocations by any state government in Nigeria.

ULS noted that the administration’s sustained investments are driving far-reaching reforms aimed at improving learning outcomes, expanding access to quality education and ensuring every child in Kano has the opportunity to succeed.

Receiving the award on behalf of the governor, Emir Sanusi described education as the most powerful instrument for social transformation and commended the Kano State Government for placing the sector at the centre of its development agenda.

He called for stronger collaboration among governments, communities and development partners to guarantee every child’s right to literacy and quality education, irrespective of social or economic background.

The Emir also highlighted the potential of the Jolly Phonics programme in improving literacy among Almajiri children by building on their Arabic literacy acquired through Qur’anic education while equipping them with English reading and writing skills.

His remarks were widely applauded by participants, who described them as a strong call for inclusive, evidence-based education reforms capable of reaching every child.

Speaking at the event, Universal Learning Solutions Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Gary Foxcroft, praised Governor Yusuf’s leadership, saying his commitment to education demonstrates what is possible when governments prioritise learning and human capital development.

Foxcroft also described the Emir’s proposal to integrate Almajiri children into literacy programmes as “inspiring and transformational.”

Universal Learning Solutions reaffirmed its long-term partnership with the Kano State Government, pledging continued support for the expansion of the Jolly Phonics programme, teacher capacity development and efforts to improve literacy outcomes across schools in the state.

The international recognition adds to Kano State’s growing profile as a leader in education reform in Africa, reflecting the administration’s continued investment in expanding access to quality education and improving learning outcomes.