By Aminu Garko
The Kano State Accountability Forum on Education, K-SAFE, has congratulated Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, on receiving the International Literacy and Learning Leadership Award presented by Universal Learning Solutions, ULS, in London, United Kingdom.
This was contained in a statement issued on Saturday and signed by Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim, Public Relations Officer of K-SAFE.
The coalition of civil society organisations, education stakeholders, media practitioners, development partners and citizens said the award was a testament to the governor’s commitment to transforming the education sector and prioritising education as a cornerstone of sustainable development in Kano State.
K-SAFE said it was particularly encouraged that the award recognised Governor Yusuf’s investment in education, including the allocation of 30 per cent of the state’s budget to the education sector.
The group said the commitment had positioned Kano as a leading example of political will in advancing quality education in Nigeria.
The recognition also validates ongoing reforms aimed at improving learning outcomes, expanding access to education, strengthening teacher development and ensuring that every child, regardless of background, had the opportunity to acquire quality education and literacy skills.
K-SAFE commended the governor’s administration for embracing evidence-based education reforms and fostering partnerships with local and international organisations to improve foundational literacy across schools in Kano State.
It also applauded the sustained collaboration with development partners in implementing programmes such as Jolly Phonics, which continue to improve literacy among pupils.
The group commended Muhammadu Sanusi II, the Emir of Kano, for representing the governor at the international event and for his advocacy on inclusive education, particularly his emphasis on integrating Almajiri children into literacy programmes while preserving their Islamic educational heritage.
K-SAFE said the international recognition should encourage the Kano State Government to sustain the momentum by continuing to invest in education, improving school infrastructure, strengthening accountability, enhancing teacher capacity and addressing the challenges of out-of-school children across the state.
It reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the Kano State Government through constructive engagement, policy advocacy, citizen participation and independent monitoring to ensure that every education investment translated into improved learning outcomes for children across Kano State.