Kano State Governor, Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf, has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to improving teachers’ welfare, professional development and working conditions as part of efforts to strengthen the state’s education sector.
A statement signed by Sanusi Bature Dawakin Tofa Director-General Media and Publicity Kano State Government House said the Governor stated this in a message to mark the 2026 World Teachers’ Day celebration, themed: “Standing with Teachers: 60 Years of Protecting the Profession, Advancing Its Status and Shaping Our Future.”
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The state government was represented at the celebration held at the Coronation Hall by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG).
Governor Yusuf said teachers remain the foundation of every profession and play a critical role in shaping the future of society, stressing that supporting teachers goes beyond annual celebrations to providing adequate training, resources, infrastructure, fair remuneration and opportunities for career progression.
He noted that his administration had recruited over 16,000 teachers since assuming office, including 8,588 teachers employed in the July 2026 exercise, comprising 4,900 newly recruited and trained teachers and 3,688 ABBA Gida-Gida BESDA teachers.
The Governor said the recruitment drive had been complemented by investments in school infrastructure, furniture, teaching materials and continuous professional development, while education has consistently received the largest share of the state’s budget under his administration.
Governor Yusuf particularly commended Kano State teachers for their dedication and professionalism, which he said contributed significantly to the state’s outstanding performance in the National Examinations Council (NECO) examinations.
He congratulated teachers, students, parents and other stakeholders for helping Kano emerge as the best-performing state in NECO for two consecutive years, 2025 and 2026.
In the 2026 results, Kano recorded 74,413 candidates with at least five credits, including English Language and Mathematics, ahead of Lagos and Oyo.
The Governor said the back-to-back NECO performance demonstrated that sustained investment in teachers, learning facilities and educational support was producing measurable results.
Speaking at the occasion, the Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), Comrade Baffa Garko, commended Governor Yusuf for his commitment to the welfare and professional development of teachers in the state.
He specifically appreciated the administration for the recruitment of additional teachers, prompt payment of teachers’ salaries, approval of the ₦71,000 minimum wage, as well as continuous teacher training and timely promotion of teachers.
The NUT Chairman said the measures had contributed to improving the morale and working conditions of teachers across the state.
Governor Yusuf acknowledged the challenges posed by Kano’s growing population and pressure on infrastructure, assuring that his administration would continue to expand investments in education to meet the needs of the state.
He further urged teachers, parents and guardians to intensify efforts to protect young people from drug abuse, saying the government had established a Multi-Agency Task Force on Drug Abuse and Rehabilitation to tackle the menace.
He called on teachers to join the campaign against illicit drugs by helping to identify and prevent drug abuse among students and in communities.
The Governor also encouraged teachers to embrace innovation, technology and new teaching methods while maintaining the values and human connection at the heart of education.
He commended development partners for their continued support to the education sector and assured them of the government’s commitment to fulfilling its obligations and strengthening partnerships.
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Governor Yusuf concluded by calling on all stakeholders to move beyond words and translate appreciation for teachers into meaningful action, stressing that investing in teachers is an investment in the future of Kano State and Nigeria.
He wished teachers across Kano State a happy World Teachers’ Day and appreciated them for their invaluable contribution to education and nation-building.