By Abbas Nazil
Kano State has been recognised as a leader in climate governance and education financing in the Sahel, according to a new continental survey released in Paris.
The 2026 African Subnational Governance Survey Report by the University of Paris assessed 209 subnational governments across Africa.
Kano emerged top in education spending and was ranked among the best in climate governance, making it one of few states in the Sahel to score high on both human capital and environmental indicators.
Receiving the awards on Saturday, September 12, 2026 in Paris, the Emir of Kano, HRH Khalifa Dr. Muhammadu Sanusi II, said the recognition reflects the state’s investment in people and the environment.
“Climate governance is not separate from education. An educated population is better equipped to adapt, innovate, and protect our land and resources,” Emir Sanusi said on behalf of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf.
Presenting the awards, Prof. Julie Peghini, Director of City University, Paris, and her research partner, Dr. Hicham Tojari, said Kano recorded the highest education spending and ranked second in climate governance among the 209 governments surveyed.
The development drew commendation from UNESCO. Nigeria’s Permanent Representative to the organisation in France, Dr. Hajjo Sani, urged other states to emulate Kano’s commitment to education and climate action.
Sani praised Governor Yusuf for consistently allocating 30 per cent of the state’s annual budget to education, adding that his commitment “deserved more than an award.”
The Minister of State for Education, Prof. Suwaiba Ahmed, also described Kano as a national leader in education reforms.
Sanusi highlighted the administration’s interventions, including the declaration of a state of emergency in education, sustained 30 per cent budgetary allocation, provision of teaching and learning materials, and rehabilitation of schools across the state.
According to the Emir, the rehabilitation projects covered classrooms, desks, offices, toilets, water facilities and other infrastructure aimed at improving learning conditions for pupils and students.
He said the sustained investment had strengthened Kano’s position in education and human capital development.
Sanusi also cited the state’s emergence as the best-performing state in the 2025 Senior Secondary School Examination among Nigeria’s 36 states as further evidence of progress.
About the 2026 African Subnational Governance Survey
The African Subnational Governance Survey is an annual assessment conducted by the University of Paris, City University Research Centre. The 2026 edition evaluated 209 subnational governments across 40 African countries on two core indices: Education Financing and Climate Governance.
The Climate Governance index measured policy frameworks, budget allocation to climate adaptation and mitigation, disaster risk management, environmental regulation enforcement, and community participation in climate planning. The Education Financing index tracked the percentage of annual budgets devoted to education, infrastructure investment, teacher welfare, and learning outcomes.
According to Prof. Peghini, the survey aims to provide data that helps African governments benchmark performance and attract climate finance.
“Subnational governments are now at the frontline of climate action. This report highlights where investment is working and where more support is needed,” she said.
The full report will be published by the University of Paris in October 2026 and will be used by development partners including UNESCO, UNDP, and the World Bank to guide funding decisions in Africa.
