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From Desmond Mgboh, Kano
Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, has applauded Alhaji Aliko Dangote for dedicating 25 percent of his wealth to charity, describing the gesture as a historic boost to human development and a model for philanthropic leadership in Africa.
In a statement by his spokesperson, Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, yesterday, the governor spoke during an event held in Lagos, which attracted top national stakeholders, including the Vice President Kashim Shettima, governors of Kano, Gombe, Nasarawa and Borno, alongside the two ministers of education.
At the gathering, the Aliko Dangote Foundation announced a N100 billion education support package targeting 155,000 students across Nigeria. The Foundation also revealed a 10-year vision to spend up to N1 trillion to reach 1,325,000 beneficiaries, with a major focus on out-of-school children.
Governor Yusuf welcomed the initiative, noting that its emphasis on access, teacher training and infrastructure directly complements Kano’s bold education reforms under the state of emergency declared in the sector.
He highlighted Kano’s achievements in education, including the recruitment of over 13,000 teachers, major school rehabilitation, reduction of overcrowded classrooms, distribution of desks and support for students through scholarships and tuition fee reductions.
He also emphasised ongoing efforts to conduct a statewide survey to accurately identify out-of-school children and integrate Qur’anic schools into learning centres.
The governor commended the decision to allocate N15 billion for upgrading the state-owned Aliko Dangote University, Wudil, to international standards, noting that it would enhance access, improve quality and boost global competitiveness.
He said the Foundation’s intervention captures the real needs of the system, supports Kano’s priorities and strengthens partnership for education.
He reaffirmed Kano’s overall vision for education, saying, “Every school is a good school, every child enrolled in school, every student an engaged learner, every teacher a caring educator, every parent a supportive partner and the government as a committed investor in human capital development.”
He also underlined key actions taken and planned by the government, noting that over 13,000 teachers had been recruited, hundreds of overseas scholarships provided, tuition fees cut in half for state university students, rehabilitation of 1,358 secondary and technical schools, as well as 5,200 primary schools.
“Also, the installation of 250 boreholes and 820 toilet units, construction of 28,264 classrooms and 300 laboratories planned and a statewide survey for out-of-school children to ensure access for every child, including integration of Qur’anic schools,” he added.
The governor expressed optimism for a future of great partnership and mutual collaboration with the Foundation to achieve the goals.
