Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf has won the International Literacy and Learning Leadership Award, with organisers highlighting Kano State's commitment to spending 30 per cent of its budget on education. The recognition came from Universal Learning Solutions (ULS) at a ceremony in London's Stationers' Hall during events marking the Jolly Phonics programme's 20th anniversary in Africa.
Muhammadu Sanusi II, the Emir of Kano, collected the award on Yusuf's behalf at the gathering, which drew education experts, policymakers and development partners from across Africa and beyond. A statement from Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, the governor's spokesperson, confirmed Sanusi's attendance on Saturday.
ULS cited Yusuf's push to expand access to quality education through sustained investment and reforms that have improved learning outcomes across the state. The governor's decision to channel such a substantial share of the state budget to education represents one of Nigeria's highest education spending rates.
Speaking after receiving the award, Sanusi described education as the strongest tool for social transformation. He praised Yusuf for making education a cornerstone of his development strategy.
Sanusi called on governments, communities and development partners to work together to guarantee that all children get literacy and quality education regardless of their social or economic status. He emphasized the Jolly Phonics programme's capacity to boost literacy among Almajiri students by combining Arabic literacy from Qur'anic study with English reading and writing skills.
Event participants applauded Sanusi's remarks, describing them as a compelling argument for inclusive, evidence-based education reforms. Gary Foxcroft, co-founder and chief executive officer of Universal Learning Solutions, commended Yusuf for prioritizing education and human capital development.
Foxcroft said the governor's reforms demonstrate what happens when political leaders put learning at the heart of governance. He also praised Sanusi's idea to bring Almajiri children into structured literacy programmes, calling it both innovative and transformative.
Universal Learning Solutions pledged ongoing partnership with Kano State to expand the Jolly Phonics programme, boost teacher training and strengthen literacy initiatives in schools. The award builds on previous international recognition of Kano State's education policies, reinforcing the state's push to become Africa's leading centre for education reform.
