The Sokoto State Government has announced plans to support a 16-year-old orphan, Muhammad Sirajo Abubakar, who achieved an impressive 353 score in the 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME). This decision was made after the government took notice of Muhammad's outstanding performance and the public attention his story generated. Muhammad's remarkable achievement is a testament to his hard work and dedication to education despite facing significant challenges.

Muhammad's UTME results show that he scored 92 in Mathematics, 67 in English, 98 in Physics, and 96 in Chemistry. Additionally, his West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WAEC) results reveal three As, four Bs, and one C, with his Biology result still pending. These impressive academic credentials have earned him recognition and praise from various quarters. The government's intervention is aimed at providing Muhammad with the necessary support to pursue his educational goals.

The student has expressed his desire to study Mechatronics Engineering at Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria. Following the commissioner's directive, the state JAMB Coordinator, Ibrahim Muazu Hassan, reached out to Muhammad and facilitated his visit to the Ministry of Higher Education. On Tuesday, Muhammad was received by the Commissioner for Higher Education, Prof Isa Muhammad Maishanu, and other ministry officials. The commissioner commended Muhammad for his academic performance, courage, and commitment to education despite losing his parents at a young age.

Prof Maishanu emphasized that the ministry would examine Muhammad's situation and work towards providing the necessary support to enable him to continue his education. This intervention aligns with Governor Ahmad Aliyu's nine-point Smart Agenda, which prioritizes education. The government aims to explore all possible avenues of support to facilitate Muhammad's educational journey and help him achieve his ambition of becoming a Mechatronics Engineer.

The Ministry of Higher Education has commended the state JAMB coordinator for his prompt response and assistance in bringing Muhammad to the ministry. The government's support for Muhammad is a significant move to ensure that he does not abandon his educational pursuits due to financial constraints. By providing the necessary support, the government hopes to empower Muhammad to reach his full potential and make a positive impact in his community.

Muhammad's story has resonated with many, and his achievement serves as an inspiration to his peers. His determination to succeed in education despite the challenges he faces is a testament to his resilience and character. The government's intervention is expected to have a positive impact on Muhammad's life and educational journey, and it is hoped that his story will encourage other students to prioritize education and strive for excellence.

The Sokoto State Government's decision to support Muhammad is a significant investment in the education sector, and it demonstrates the government's commitment to empowering young people through education. By providing support to students like Muhammad, the government aims to create a brighter future for the state's youth and promote socio-economic development. The government's efforts to support education are expected to have a lasting impact on the state's development trajectory.

Key points

  • The Sokoto State Government has pledged to support a 16-year-old orphan who scored 353 in the 2026 UTME.
  • Muhammad Sirajo Abubakar's impressive academic performance has earned him recognition and praise from various quarters.
  • The government's intervention aligns with Governor Ahmad Aliyu's nine-point Smart Agenda, which prioritizes education.

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SaharaWire Newsroom
SaharaWire

Reporting for SaharaWire from the Nairobi bureau.