Universal Learning Solutions (ULS) today presented the International Literacy and Learning Leadership Award to His Excellency, Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf of Kano State, at a distinguished ceremony held at the historic Stationers’ Hall in the City of London.
Gary Foxcroft, Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer of the Universal Learning Solutions disclosed this in a statement made available to journalist which was sighted by GLOBAL TRACKER.
According to the statement, the award was received on behalf of the Governor by His Royal Highness, Muhammadu Sanusi II, the Emir of Kano, in recognition of the Governor’s outstanding leadership and commitment to transforming education in Kano State.
READ ALSO: Claim on Kano’s “Highest Education Spending Ranking” by University of Paris Unsubstantiated
Governor Yusuf was honoured for his landmark decision to allocate 30% of the Kano State budget to education — one of the highest education budgetary allocations in Nigeria. This unprecedented investment is driving far-reaching reforms aimed at improving learning outcomes and expanding access to quality education for every child across the state.
In a moving acceptance address, the Emir of Kano commended Governor Yusuf’s vision and unwavering dedication to improving the lives of the people of Kano through education. He underscored the shared responsibility of governments, communities, and development partners to ensure that every child, particularly the most disadvantaged, has access to their fundamental right to literacy and quality learning.
The Emir also highlighted the significant potential of Jolly Phonics in bridging the gap between traditional Qur’anic education and formal schooling for Almajiri children.
He noted that many pupils already possess strong Arabic literacy skills and stressed the importance of building on this foundation to develop English literacy, thereby creating new opportunities while preserving religious and cultural heritage.
His remarks resonated strongly with delegates from across the global education sector and reaffirmed the need for inclusive, evidence-based approaches to literacy that leave no child behind.
Mr. Gary Foxcroft, acknowledged that, 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 governance. The Emir’s vision for ensuring that every child, including Almajiri pupils, has the opportunity to become literate was both powerful and inspiring.
Universal Learning Solutions reaffirmed its long-term commitment to supporting the Government of Kano State in its ambitious education reform agenda. Building on a strong partnership through the implementation of Jolly Phonics, ULS pledged to continue working alongside the state to strengthen literacy outcomes, build teacher capacity, and ensure that every child has the opportunity to reach their full potential.
The award ceremony formed part of the celebrations marking 20 Years of Jolly Phonics in Africa, recognising two decades of partnership, innovation, and measurable impact in improving literacy across the continent.