By JACOB PNJEWU DICKSON
Kano State Governor, His Excellency Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf, has been honored with the Service Excellence Award by the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) in recognition of his remarkable achievements in transforming healthcare delivery in Kano State.
This was contained in a statement issued by governor’s spokesperson, Sanusi Bature Dawakin Tofa on Tuesday.
The award ceremony, currently taking place in Katsina from April 29 to 30, brought together top medical professionals and government leaders from across the country.
The recognition places Governor Yusuf among the few Nigerian leaders to receive national commendation for public health excellence within their first two years in office.
Presenting the citation, Dr. Abdurrahman Ali, Chairman of the NMA Kano Chapter, hailed the Governor as a visionary leader and reformer whose administration has redefined healthcare governance through innovation, compassion, and commitment to the welfare of the people.
Since assuming office in May 2023, Governor Yusuf has implemented a wide range of reforms aimed at improving healthcare access, quality, and infrastructure.
Notably, Kano State exceeded the Abuja Declaration benchmark, with ₦77 billion (16.46%) allocated to health in 2024 and ₦90.6 billion (16.5%) in 2025 — the highest in the state’s history.
Some of the Governor’s landmark achievements include:
• Recruitment of over 500 health professionals, including medical doctors, nurses, and midwives.
• Revised hazard allowances and enhanced residency training support for health workers.
• A ₦50 million donation to the NMA national headquarters — the largest by any state government.
• Sponsorship of over 1,000 students for postgraduate training abroad, including 100 future medical doctors.
• Rehabilitation and upgrade of key health institutions such as Hasiya Bayero Paediatrics Hospital, Murtala Muhammad Specialist Hospital, and Muhammad Abdullahi Wase Teaching Hospital.
• Establishment of the Kano State Centre for Disease Control (KNCDC) — the first subnational CDC in Nigeria — with a ₦1 billion take-off grant and ₦500 million emergency fund.
Other key reforms include the Premarital Screening and HIV Anti-Discrimination Law, the Kano State Health Security Law, free caesarean section services for all pregnant women irrespective of origin, and the monthly distribution of ₦63 million worth of maternal and child health supplies to hospitals.
Governor Yusuf also invested heavily in rural healthcare, upgrading dozens of primary health centers to general hospitals, constructing new facilities, and equipping key agencies with operational vehicles.
In his acceptance speech, Governor Yusuf dedicated the award to health workers, development partners, and the people of Kano State, reaffirming his administration’s commitment to inclusive and responsive healthcare
“This honor strengthens our resolve to build a health system that works for everyone. We are building a legacy of health equity, and we’re just getting started,” he said.
The award ceremony continues with plenary sessions on strengthening Nigeria’s healthcare through leadership, innovation, and sustainable investments — areas where Kano under Governor Yusuf has become a national reference point.
