Emir Sanusi receives international literacy award on behalf of Gov. Yusuf in London

The Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II, on Saturday, received the International Literacy and Learning Leadership Award on behalf of Kano State Governor, Abba Yusuf, at a ceremony held in London, United Kingdom.

The award, presented by Universal Learning Solutions, ULS, at the historic Stationers’ Hall, recognised Governor Yusuf’s commitment to advancing education and literacy in Kano State.

In a statement issued by the Co-founder and Chief Executive Officer of ULS, Gary Foxcroft, the organisation said the award honoured the governor’s leadership in implementing education reforms, particularly his decision to allocate 30 per cent of the state’s budget to the education sector.

According to Mr Foxcroft, the investment ranks among the highest education budget allocations in Nigeria and is supporting far-reaching reforms aimed at improving learning outcomes and expanding access to quality education for children across the state.

“This unprecedented investment supports far-reaching reforms designed to improve learning outcomes and expand educational opportunities for every child,” he said.

Accepting the award on behalf of the governor, Emir Sanusi commended Mr Yusuf’s commitment to improving the lives of Kano residents through education.

According to Mr Foxcroft, the Emir stressed that governments, communities and development organisations share a collective responsibility to ensure every child, particularly the most disadvantaged, has access to literacy and quality education.

He also highlighted the potential of the Jolly Phonics literacy programme to bridge the gap between traditional Qur’anic education and formal schooling for Almajiri children.

The Emir noted that many Almajiri pupils already possess strong Arabic literacy skills, arguing that such a foundation should be built upon as they acquire English literacy without undermining their religious and cultural heritage.

Mr Foxcroft said the Emir’s remarks resonated with delegates from across the education sector and underscored the importance of inclusive, evidence-based literacy programmes that leave no child behind.

Mr Foxcroft described it as an honour to receive the Emir of Kano and celebrate Governor Yusuf’s contributions to education.

“It was an immense honour to welcome His Royal Highness, the Emir of Kano, to Stationers’ Hall and to recognise the extraordinary leadership of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf.

“The governor’s commitment to investing in education demonstrates what is possible when political leadership places children and learning at the heart of government.

“The Emir’s vision for ensuring that every child, including Almajiri pupils, has the opportunity to become literate was both powerful and inspiring,” he said.

Mr Foxcroft reaffirmed ULS’s commitment to supporting the Kano State Government’s education reform agenda through its partnership on the implementation of the Jolly Phonics programme.

He said the organisation would continue working with the state to strengthen literacy outcomes, train teachers and expand access to quality learning opportunities for children.

The ceremony formed part of activities marking the 20th anniversary of Jolly Phonics in Africa, celebrating two decades of partnership and innovation in improving literacy across the continent.