Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf has launched the second batch of the 1001 Postgraduate Foreign and Domestic Scholarship Programme, presenting it as a key step in his administration’s education reform agenda. Speaking at the Coronation Hall in Government House, the governor repeated his stance on good governance, stressing that education remains “our first, second, and third priority.” He noted that the poor state of schools when he took office on May 29, 2023, led to the State of Emergency on Education declared on June 8, 2024. Yusuf said, “Our schools, once symbols of hope and progress, had become shadows of themselves. We met dilapidated structures, shortage of classrooms, and demoralized teachers.”
The governor highlighted ongoing reforms, including rehabilitation of public schools, teacher recruitment, and improved welfare to promote better learning outcomes. He added that the government approved ₦2 billion to support Kano indigenes in public universities and directed state-owned institutions to reduce registration fees by 50 percent for Kano students. Yusuf also disclosed that his administration cleared inherited debts, paying ₦500 million owed to five private universities, ₦2.4 billion to Near East University in Cyprus, and ₦55.3 million to the Digital Bridge Institute in Abuja.
The event drew scholars, parents, and senior officials who described the programme as a significant milestone in restoring Kano’s academic reputation. Recent engagements such as the UN Deputy Secretary-General lauding mineral resources, progress on the Dansoshiya dam in Kano, and the governor’s approval of school staff recruitment were also noted as part of the broader development efforts. Yusuf further assured NYSC Corps members of safety and welfare in Kano, reinforcing the administration’s commitment to stability and growth.
