Kano Tops Education Spending, Ranks Second In Climate Governance – Paris Varsity

Kano State has emerged first among 209 subnational governments assessed for education spending and second in climate governance in the 2026 African Subnational Survey Report released by the University of Paris.

The report, according to a statement issued by the governor’s spokesman, Sunusi Bature, was presented on Saturday at an event held at the City University, Paris, where Kano received two awards for its performance in education financing and climate governance.

Presenting the awards, the Director of the City University, Paris, Prof Julie Peghini, and her research partner, Dr Hicham Tojari, said Kano was the best-performing subnational government in education spending among the 209 governments assessed.

The development attracted commendation from the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation, with Nigeria’s Permanent Representative to UNESCO in France, Dr Hajjo Sani, urging other states to emulate Kano’s commitment to education financing.

Sani said Governor Abba Yusuf deserved more than an award for consistently allocating 30 per cent of the state’s annual budget to education.

Similarly, the Minister of State for Education, Prof Suwaiba Ahmed, described Kano as a leader in education reforms, saying the state was prioritising the sector more than other states.

Receiving the awards on behalf of Yusuf, the Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II, attributed the recognition to the administration’s sustained investment in education.

Sanusi said the government had consistently allocated 30 per cent of its annual budget to education, declared a state of emergency in the sector and provided teaching and learning materials, while rehabilitating and renovating schools across the state.

He said the interventions included the provision and rehabilitation of classrooms, desks, offices, toilets and water facilities.

According to him, Kano’s sustained investment in education had earned it recognition beyond the country, adding that the state also emerged as the best-performing state in the 2025 Senior Secondary School Examination.

Meanwhile, Yusuf has congratulated Prof Adamu Abubakar Gwarzo on his appointment as Chancellor of the Hausa Community in Europe. Gwarzo was appointed by the Emir of the community, Alhaji Surajo Jankado, during the 2026 International Hausa Day celebration in Paris.

Yusuf, represented by Bature, described the appointment as recognition of Gwarzo’s contributions to promoting the Hausa language and culture. Gwarzo pledged to promote Hausa identity, unity and cultural preservation among Hausa communities across Europe.