Kano State Governor, Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf, has publicly commended Africa's richest man, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, for his landmark decision to dedicate a quarter of his vast wealth to charitable causes. Governor Yusuf described this commitment as a historic boost for human development across the continent and a model for philanthropic leadership.
A Grand Announcement in Lagos
The governor's praise was delivered at a significant event held at the Eko Hotels in Lagos. The gathering attracted a high-profile assembly of national stakeholders, including Vice President Kashim Shettima, the governors of Kano, Gombe, Nasarawa, and Borno states, as well as two federal Ministers of Education.
It was at this forum that the Aliko Dangote Foundation unveiled a massive N100 billion education support package. This initiative is designed to benefit approximately 155,000 students nationwide. Looking further ahead, the Foundation revealed an ambitious ten-year vision, planning to invest up to N1 trillion to reach a staggering 1,325,000 beneficiaries, with a major focus on tackling the challenge of out-of-school children.
Alignment with Kano's Education Emergency
Governor Yusuf warmly welcomed the Foundation's intervention, noting that its emphasis on improving access, teacher training, and infrastructure directly complements the bold education reforms his administration is implementing in Kano. The state has declared a state of emergency in the education sector.
He highlighted Kano's recent achievements, which include:
- The recruitment of over 13,000 new teachers.
- Major rehabilitation projects for schools across the state.
- A significant reduction in overcrowded classrooms.
- Mass distribution of desks and other learning materials.
- Student support through scholarships and tuition fee reductions.
The governor also emphasised ongoing strategic efforts, such as conducting a statewide survey to accurately identify out-of-school children and plans to integrate Qur'anic schools (Almajiri) into formal learning centres.
University Upgrade and a Shared Vision
A key part of the Foundation's package for Kano is the allocation of N15 billion to upgrade the state-owned Aliko Dangote University of Science and Technology, Wudil, to international standards. Governor Yusuf commended this decision, stating it would enhance access, improve quality, and boost the institution's global competitiveness.
He stated that the Foundation's support perfectly captures the real needs of the education system and strengthens vital partnerships. Governor Yusuf reaffirmed Kano State's overarching vision for education, which is built on the principle of "every school a good school, every child enrolled, every student an engaged learner."
The government's concrete actions and plans include:
- Rehabilitation of 1,358 secondary/technical schools and 5,200 primary schools.
- Construction of 28,264 new classrooms and 300 laboratories.
- Installation of 250 boreholes and 820 toilet units in schools.
- Awarding hundreds of overseas scholarships.
- Halving tuition fees for students at state universities.
Governor Yusuf concluded by expressing strong optimism about a future of productive partnership and mutual collaboration with the Aliko Dangote Foundation to achieve these transformative educational goals for the people of Kano and Nigeria at large.
