Hussaini Ibrahim Sulaiman
Education is the bedrock of any progressive society, and in Kano State, a quiet revolution is unfolding under the leadership of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf.
From the moment he assumed office, the governor has left no stone unturned in his bid to rejuvenate the state’s education sector.
His administration’s commitment to education is not only evident in words but in concrete actions that continue to change lives. His administration has prioritized key reforms in infrastructure, teacher welfare, school enrollment, and vocational training.
These initiatives have solidified his reputation as a leader who truly understands that the future of Kano rests on the shoulders of its young population.
Recognizing the deep-rooted challenges facing Kano’s education system, Governor Yusuf declared a state of emergency in education.
His administration swiftly moved to address the dilapidated state of public schools, teacher shortages, and declining student enrollment. With a clear vision, the governor initiated reforms that have already begun yielding remarkable results.
A leader’s priorities are reflected in budgetary allocations. In the 2024 budget, 29.9% of the total allocation was dedicated to education, far surpassing UNESCO’s recommended benchmark of 26%.
In a further demonstration of his unwavering commitment, the state has allocated 31% of its total 2025 budget to the education sector.
With this substantial funding, the government has embarked on large-scale school renovations, procurement of essential learning materials, and payment of outstanding teacher salaries.
These initiatives are restoring public confidence in the education system and ensuring that Kano’s children have the resources they need to succeed.
Public schools in Kano were in dire need of rehabilitation. The administration launched a massive school renovation project targeting the upgrade of thousands of classrooms across the state.
Over 80,000 three-seater desks have been provided, ensuring that 240,000 students no longer have to sit on bare floors.
New classrooms have been constructed to address the issue of overcrowding. Schools that previously struggled with inadequate facilities are now benefiting from modern learning spaces, making education more accessible and effective.
Kano State has long faced the challenge of out-of-school children. To tackle this, the government is constructing 130 new boys’ and girls’ schools to boost enrollment in the next academic session.
Governor Yusuf’s administration has also launched an initiative to distribute 789,000 school uniforms to pupils in 7,092 public schools.
At the flag-off of the distribution of over two million education materials—including textbooks, mats, and uniforms—the governor reiterated his administration’s commitment to ensuring that every child in Kano has access to quality education.
The state government is paying a monthly stipend of N20,000 to 40,000 indigent girls to encourage school enrollment, retention, and completion.
This intervention is particularly targeted at ensuring that more girls receive formal education, reducing the dropout rate, and fostering gender inclusivity in education.
A well-trained and motivated teacher is at the heart of any successful education system. Governor Yusuf has approved the permanent employment of 5,500 volunteer teachers under the Better Education Services Delivery for All (BESDA) initiative.
He has also approved the promotion of over 20,500 primary and junior secondary school teachers.
This move is a morale booster and a strategic step towards retaining and attracting quality educators. By improving teacher welfare and providing capacity-building opportunities, the governor is ensuring that Kano’s students receive education from highly skilled and dedicated professionals.
The administration has also cleared backlogs of unpaid teacher salaries and allowances, significantly boosting teacher motivation and improving classroom engagement and student performance.
To further support education, the government has spent N1.3 billion on the payment of the National Examination Council (NECO) and National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) registration fees for 57,000 indigent students.
This intervention has lifted a huge financial burden off struggling families and ensured that no student is denied access to secondary and technical education due to economic hardship.
Education extends beyond the classroom. The administration has revived 26 vocational and skills acquisition schools across the state. Institutions such as the Kano School of Informatics, Kano State Driving School, and Aliko Dangote Skills Acquisition Centre have been revamped to equip young people with practical skills.
The government is set to create over 63,000 jobs annually through the garment industry. By reopening garment manufacturing clusters in Kano’s 44 local government areas, thousands of young people are being empowered with tailoring and fashion design skills. This approach provides an alternative pathway for youths who may not pursue conventional higher education.
Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf’s remarkable efforts in education have not gone unnoticed. During the 2024 World Teachers’ Day celebrations, the Nigeria Union of Teachers honored him with the Golden Award for Outstanding Performance in Education Reform.
This accolade recognizes his dedication to improving Kano’s education sector.
Under his leadership, Kano State is experiencing an educational renaissance. His administration’s policies, strategic investments, and people-centered approach have laid a strong foundation for a brighter future.
The real impact of his reforms can be seen in the smiles of students who now have desks to sit on, the joy of teachers whose hard work is being rewarded, and the hope of parents who can now dream of a better future for their children.
Aiki Sai Me Shi—only the committed can achieve the task. Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf has not only shown commitment but has also demonstrated visionary leadership, courage, and an unrelenting passion for education. Kano’s education sector is on an unstoppable trajectory of growth, and if the momentum is sustained, the state will soon be a shining example of educational excellence in Nigeria.
