LONDON, United Kingdom – The importance of literacy, inclusive education and preserving cultural identity took centre stage as education leaders, policymakers and stakeholders from Nigeria and the United Kingdom gathered at Stationers’ Hall, London, to celebrate 20 Years of Impact in Transforming Literacy in Nigeria and Beyond, organised by Universal Learning Solutions under its Jolly Futures initiative in partnership with the Kano State Government.

Emir of Kano HRH Sanusi

Serving as the Special Guest of Honour and representing the Governor of Kano State, His Royal Highness Muhammadu Sanusi II, Emir of Kano, delivered a thought-provoking address on the evolution of education in Northern Nigeria, the education of girls and the future of the Almajiri system.

Addressing delegates, the Emir reflected on the historical relationship between Northern Nigeria and Western education, explaining that the legacy of British colonialism shaped perceptions of formal schooling. He stressed that many assumptions about resistance to education in the North have often overlooked important cultural and historical realities.

According to the Emir, contrary to popular belief, many Muslim families were not opposed to educating their daughters. Rather, concerns centred on preserving cultural and religious values, including ensuring that girls were taught in appropriate environments by female teachers. Once such arrangements were made, many traditional rulers became active supporters of girls’ education.

Drawing from his own family history, the Emir recounted how his great-grandfather visited King’s College, Lagos, in the 1930s and, impressed by what he saw, advocated the establishment of a comparable girls’ school in Kano. He explained that community leaders even made financial sacrifices, contributing from their own salaries to recruit qualified female teachers, demonstrating a long-standing commitment to educating girls.

Turning to the Almajiri system, the Emir urged a balanced assessment rather than outright condemnation. He acknowledged that traditional Qur’anic schools have historically played a significant role in providing religious instruction, discipline, identity and social belonging to generations of children.

However, he warned that the realities of the 21st century require reforms. Millions of children who remain outside mainstream education, he noted, face increasing risks of poverty, exploitation, criminality, drug abuse and other social challenges if they are denied access to broader educational opportunities and practical life skills.

The Emir therefore advocated modernising the Almajiri system by integrating quality formal education with traditional Qur’anic learning, enabling children to retain their religious and cultural foundations while acquiring the knowledge and skills needed to thrive in a rapidly changing world.

He concluded by cautioning against simplistic stereotypes that portray Northern Nigerian culture or Islam as being opposed to education. Instead, he argued that many educational challenges are rooted in historical, administrative and socio-economic factors that require thoughtful and culturally sensitive solutions.

The conference celebrated two decades of Jolly Learning’s literacy programme, which began in a rural school in Akwa Ibom State and has grown into one of Africa’s largest literacy initiatives. Delegates also heard how strategic collaboration with the Kano State Government has contributed to improving literacy outcomes through sustained investment and educational innovation.

Among those in attendance were Chris Jolly OBE, Founder of Jolly Learning; Gary and Naomi Foxcroft, Co-Founders of Universal Learning Solutions; Dr Grace Adagba, Chairwoman of the Benue State Universal Basic Education Board; Dr Ali Bukar Makoda, Kano State Commissioner for Education; Richard Turnbull, Projects Director, Universal Learning Solutions; and Dr Louise Jolly, Programmes Director, Universal Learning Solutions.

Other distinguished participants included Mentoring Commandant Alistair (President – Nationals In Diaspora Mentoring Corps & Founder of Europe’s First Ethnic Satellite TV), Ms Ronke Adeagbo, Ms C. Comfort OBE, CP Ibrahim and Minister Cllr Sam of the Nigeria High Commission in London, alongside education professionals, government representatives and development partners.

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