December 11, (THEWILL) — Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf has praised Africa’s richest man, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, for committing 25 percent of his wealth to charitable causes, describing the move as a historic milestone for human development and a model of philanthropic leadership on the continent.
This commendation was contained in a statement issued on Thursday by the governor’s spokesperson, Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa.
According to the statement, Governor Yusuf made the remarks at an event held at Eko Hotels, Lagos, attended by top national dignitaries including the Vice President, governors of Kano, Gombe, Nasarawa and Borno states, as well as the two Ministers of Education.
At the event, the Aliko Dangote Foundation announced a N100 billion education support programme targeting 155,000 students across Nigeria.
The Foundation also unveiled a 10-year plan to invest up to N1 trillion to support 1,325,000 beneficiaries, with special focus on out-of-school children.
Governor Yusuf welcomed the initiative, noting that its priorities—access, teacher training and infrastructure—align with Kano’s aggressive education reforms under the ongoing state of emergency in the sector.
He highlighted key achievements by his administration, including the recruitment of more than 13,000 teachers, extensive school rehabilitation, reduction of overcrowded classrooms, distribution of desks, and increased support for students through scholarships and reduced tuition fees.
The governor also noted ongoing efforts to conduct a statewide survey to accurately identify out-of-school children and to integrate Qur’anic schools into mainstream learning centres.
Yusuf further applauded the Foundation’s decision to allocate N15 billion for upgrading the Aliko Dangote University of Science and Technology, Wudil, saying the intervention would enhance access, improve quality and boost the institution’s competitiveness.
He said the Foundation’s support addresses the real needs within the sector, reinforces Kano’s education priorities and strengthens partnerships aimed at transforming learning outcomes in the state.
Reaffirming his administration’s vision for education, the governor stated:
“Every school a good school, every child enrolled, every student an engaged learner, every teacher a caring educator, every parent a supportive partner, and the government a committed investor in human capital development.”
He listed additional actions taken and planned by the government, including the rehabilitation of 1,358 secondary and technical schools and 5,200 primary schools, installation of 250 boreholes and 820 toilet units, and the planned construction of 28,264 classrooms and 300 laboratories.
Yusuf expressed optimism about sustaining a strong partnership with the Aliko Dangote Foundation to achieve these ambitious goals.
Abdullahi Yusuf is a seasoned journalist, communicator and was previously the Deputy Editor-In-Chief and Zonal Manager, News Agency of Nigeria, NAN, Jos, where he retired on December 15, 2021
