Kano Tops National Education Ranking, Wins Excellence Award at NGF Summit
Kano State has been declared the leading state in Nigeria in education funding for the 2026 fiscal year, receiving an Award of Excellence at the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) Education Summit held at the Ladi Kwali Hall, Abuja.
During the high-profile gathering themed “Pathways to Sustainable Education Financing: Developing a Synergy Between Town and Gown in Nigeria,” stakeholders commended Kano for allocating over N400 billion—representing 30% of its total budget—to the education sector, setting a new national benchmark.
The Kano delegation was led by the Deputy Governor, Comrade Aminu Abdussalam Gwarzo, who also oversees the Ministry of Higher Education. He was accompanied by the Commissioner for Education, Gwani Dr. Ali Haruna Makoda, heads of education agencies, and key private-sector partners. The state also featured prominently as a Golden Sponsor of the summit, a move that underscored its commitment to driving educational transformation.
Representing Vice President Kashim Shettima, former FCT Minister Mallam Aliyu Modibo described the summit as a strategic platform for identifying systemic challenges and developing sustainable solutions. His remarks echoed Kano’s renewed focus on revitalizing its education system through record-high investment.
Kano Sets New Pace for Education Reform
Kano’s over N400 billion allocation aligns with Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf’s declaration of a State of Emergency in the sector. The funding is expected to support massive infrastructure upgrades, improved teacher training, and a comprehensive overhaul of basic and secondary education.
Presenting the state’s profile, Commissioner Makoda highlighted that Kano operates over 12,000 public basic and secondary schools with more than 5.2 million learners, figures that surpass those of many states combined. He stressed the need for increased partner investment, emphasizing the scale of the state’s educational responsibilities.
National Recognition
The two-day summit drew participation from education stakeholders across Nigeria and beyond. At its conclusion, Kano State was honored with an Award of Excellence, recognizing its leadership, bold policy direction, and unmatched commitment to strengthening human capital development.
The award further reinforces Kano’s position as a model for sustainable and accountable education financing in Nigeria.