By Jabiru Hassan
Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, has received the International Literacy and Learning Leadership Award from Universal Learning Solutions (ULS) for his administration’s commitment to education reforms and literacy development.
The award was presented at Stationers’ Hall in London, United Kingdom, during activities marking the 20th anniversary of Jolly Phonics in Africa, according to a statement issued by the governor’s spokesperson, Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, on Saturday. The award was received on behalf of Governor Yusuf by the Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II, who represented the governor at the event attended by education experts, development partners and policymakers.
According to the organisers, the recognition was linked to the governor’s investments in education, including the reported allocation of 30 per cent of Kano State’s budget to the sector. Speaking at the ceremony, Sanusi described education as a key driver of social transformation and commended the governor for making it a priority of his administration.
He also highlighted the potential of the Jolly Phonics programme to improve literacy among Almajiri children by building on their existing Arabic literacy while developing English reading and writing skills.The Co-Founder and CEO of ULS, Gary Foxcroft, praised the administration’s focus on education and human capital development. ULS also reaffirmed its partnership with the Kano State Government to expand Jolly Phonics, strengthen teacher capacity and improve literacy outcomes across the state.
