By Jabiru Hassan
Kano State Governor, Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf, has commended Africa’s richest man, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, for dedicating 25% of his wealth to charitable causes, describing the contribution as a landmark investment in human development and a model for philanthropic leadership across Africa.
The praise was conveyed in a statement issued Thursday by the governor’s spokesperson, Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa. Governor Yusuf delivered the remarks during an event held at Eko Hotels, Lagos, attended by key national stakeholders, including the Vice President; the governors of Kano, Gombe, Nasarawa and Borno; and the two Ministers of Education.
At the event, the Aliko Dangote Foundation (ADF) unveiled a ₦100 billion education support programme targeting 155,000 students nationwide. The Foundation also announced a 10-year plan to invest up to ₦1 trillion, aimed at supporting more than 1.3 million beneficiaries, with a strong focus on reducing the population of out-of-school children.
Governor Yusuf welcomed the initiative, saying the programme’s emphasis on access, teacher training, and improved learning infrastructure aligns with Kano State’s ongoing education reforms under the recently declared state of emergency in the sector.
He outlined key achievements recorded by his administration, including the recruitment of over 13,000 teachers, extensive school rehabilitation projects, reduction of classroom overcrowding, increased provision of desks and learning materials, and expanded scholarships and tuition support for students at state-owned institutions.
The governor also highlighted efforts to conduct a statewide census of out-of-school children, alongside initiatives to integrate Qur’anic schools into the formal system to boost literacy, enrolment and retention.
Governor Yusuf further commended the ADF’s plan to invest N 15 billion in upgrading Aliko Dangote University, Wudil, to international standards. He said the investment would improve access to quality tertiary education and enhance the institution’s global competitiveness.
According to him, the Foundation’s interventions complement Kano’s education priorities and strengthen long-term partnerships aimed at expanding human capital development.
Reaffirming his administration’s vision, Governor Yusuf said the state is committed to ensuring that every school is well-resourced, every child is enrolled, every student learns effectively, every teacher receives adequate training, and every parent contributes as an active partner.
He listed further government actions, including the rehabilitation of 1,358 secondary and technical schools and 5,200 primary schools, installation of 250 boreholes and 820 toilet units, as well as plans for 28,264 new classrooms and 300 laboratories across the state.
The governor expressed optimism about deeper collaboration with the Aliko Dangote Foundation, noting that sustained partnerships are essential for achieving lasting improvements in education across Kano and beyond.
