Kano Emerges Best Education-Driving State at Daily Independent Platinum Jubilee Awards
Kano State has been named Nigeria’s Best Education-Driving State at the Daily Independent Newspaper’s 70th anniversary Platinum Jubilee Public Lecture and Awards, recognizing its outstanding commitment to Universal Basic Education reform.
The ceremony, themed “Free Primary Education in Nigeria: Past, Present and Future,” drew prominent figures from government, academia, and the private sector. Dignitaries in attendance included the representative of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as Distinguished Guest of Honour, former Osun State Governor Chief Bisi Akande, Professor Bart Nnaji (Guest Lecturer), Dr. Danladi Bako, Otunba Segun Runsewe, and the representative of the First Lady, Mrs. Aisha Garuba. Others were Alhaji Lai Mohammed, top commissioners from Kogi, Enugu, and Kano States, and education stakeholders nationwide.
In his opening remarks, the Managing Director and Editor-in-Chief of Daily Independent, Mr. Steve Omanufeme, said the event was organized to celebrate leaders advancing Nigeria’s basic education system.
Speaking at the event, the Kano State Commissioner for Information and Internal Affairs, Comrade Ibrahim Abdullahi, highlighted the state’s achievements under Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, noting that education remains a top development priority.
“Education is the key to development, and we cannot afford to miss out,” Abdullahi stated. “That is why both the Federal and State Governments are working hard. In Kano, we have made education a practical commitment.”
He revealed that 29% of Kano’s 2024 budget and 31% of the 2025 budget were dedicated to education — the highest in the country. The commissioner also noted that Governor Yusuf had declared a state of emergency in education, resulting in major reforms and improved performance in national examinations such as NECO, where Kano ranked first nationwide.
Further highlighting grassroots investment, Abdullahi disclosed that each of Kano’s 44 local government councils received ₦300 million for classroom construction and renovation, alongside ₦10 million allocated to each councillor for community-based education projects.
“This reflects the governor’s serious commitment to ensuring every child in Kano has access to quality learning facilities,” he added.
The commissioner also announced ongoing upgrades in tertiary institutions, with universities such as North Belt University and Aliko Dangote University of Science and Technology securing new accreditations and expanding their academic programs.
“From basic to higher education, Kano is leading with reforms, results, and responsibility,” Abdullahi concluded.