The Federal Government has praised the Kano State Government for allocating 32 per cent of its 2026 budget to education, describing the move as a significant investment in human capital development and the future of the state.
Kano earmarked a record ₦405 billion of its proposed ₦1.36 trillion budget for the education sector, a decision that follows Governor Abba Kabir-Yusuf’s declaration of a state of emergency in education. The allocation is among the largest education commitments by any state government in recent years and reflects Kano’s efforts to address longstanding challenges in the sector.
The Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa, commended the initiative on Tuesday during the presentation of permanent and pensionable appointment letters to 4,900 newly recruited teachers and the engagement of 3,688 facilitators under the Abba Gida Gida Better Education Service Delivery for All (BESDA) Cohort V programme.
Describing teachers as the foundation of every successful society, Alausa said the quality of a nation’s education system depends largely on the calibre of its educators. He noted that Kano’s aggressive recruitment drive demonstrated a commitment to strengthening the sector and improving learning outcomes.
“You have a performing governor who has prioritised education. In three years, Kano has recruited about 16,000 teachers, which is a remarkable investment in human capital development,” the minister said.
He urged the newly employed teachers to justify the confidence placed in them by demonstrating professionalism, dedication and a commitment to quality instruction.
“Much has been given to you, and much is expected. Make the governor proud, make Kano State proud and teach every child with passion and care,” he added.
Beyond education, Alausa also applauded the state government’s investment in infrastructure, citing road construction projects and the installation of solar-powered street lights as indicators of effective governance.
Governor Kabir-Yusuf, in his remarks, described the recruitment exercise as another milestone in his administration’s efforts to reposition education in the state. According to him, more than 13,000 teachers had already been recruited into basic and secondary schools between May 2023 and June 2026.
With the latest appointments and the engagement of BESDA facilitators, the total number of teachers and education personnel recruited under his administration has risen to over 16,000.
The governor said the initiative goes beyond employment generation, stressing that it represents a long-term investment in Kano’s future. He highlighted other interventions undertaken by his administration, including the renovation and construction of classrooms, the provision of school furniture and instructional materials, the reopening of 15 boarding schools and the establishment of six technical schools.
Kabir-Yusuf also reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to meeting counterpart funding obligations required to access support from the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC).
The Executive Secretary of UBEC, Dr Aisha Garba, described the recruitment drive as a timely response to the global shortage of teachers. She noted that UNESCO estimates that more than 44 million teachers are needed worldwide to bridge existing gaps, adding that Kano had distinguished itself by recruiting over 16,000 educators within three years.
“Every appointment letter represents renewed hope for classrooms, communities and children,” Garba said, pledging continued support for the state’s efforts to expand access to quality basic education.
