Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf has been honoured with an international award in recognition of his administration’s commitment to improving education, particularly its decision to dedicate 30 per cent of the state’s budget to the sector.

The award was received on the governor’s behalf by the Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II, during a global education event in London attended by policymakers, education experts and development partners from across Africa and other parts of the world.

According to a statement issued by the governor’s spokesperson, Sanusi Bature Dawakin-Tofa, the organisers said the recognition reflects the state’s significant investment in education and ongoing reforms aimed at expanding access to quality learning and improving educational outcomes for children.

In his remarks after receiving the award, the Emir described education as a vital driver of societal progress and praised the Yusuf administration for making it a central priority in its development agenda.

He urged governments, communities and development partners to strengthen collaboration in ensuring that every child, regardless of background, has access to literacy and quality education.

Sanusi also highlighted the potential of the Jolly Phonics literacy programme to improve learning among Almajiri children by combining the Arabic literacy skills acquired through Qur’anic education with English reading and writing instruction.

His presentation drew positive reactions from participants, who commended the emphasis on inclusive, evidence-based reforms designed to reach underserved children.

Also speaking at the ceremony, Universal Learning Solutions Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Gary Foxcroft, applauded Governor Yusuf’s commitment to education, saying the administration’s policies demonstrate the impact of prioritising learning and human capital development.

Foxcroft further described the Emir’s proposal for integrating Almajiri children into structured literacy programmes as a transformative approach.

Universal Learning Solutions also reaffirmed its partnership with the Kano State Government, promising continued support for the expansion of the Jolly Phonics programme, teacher training and initiatives to improve literacy across schools in the state.

The latest recognition adds to Kano State’s growing profile in education reform, with the administration receiving increasing international attention for its efforts to improve access to quality education.