From Bashir Rabe Mani, Sokoto
The Sokoto State Government has moved to support a brilliant 16-year-old orphan, Muhammad Sirajo Abubakar, who scored 353 in the 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME).
Muhammad, who lost both parents at a very tender age, recorded exceptional scores in the science subjects: 92 in Mathematics, 98 in Physics, 96 in Chemistry and 67 in English.
His West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) result is equally outstanding, with three As, four Bs and one C, while his Biology result is still being awaited.
The young scholar, who is aspiring to study Mechatronics Engineering at Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria, became a sensation after his story went viral on social media.
Moved by his determination and academic excellence, the Sokoto State Commissioner for Higher Education, Prof. Isa Maishanu, intervened to ensure that Muhammad’s background does not truncate his educational ambition.
The Commissioner, who came across the story online, immediately contacted the Sokoto State JAMB Coordinator, Alhaji Ibrahim Muazu Hassan, and directed him to trace the student and facilitate his visit to the Ministry.
Muhammad was subsequently brought to the Ministry of Higher Education on Tuesday, September 29, 2026, where he was received by the Commissioner and other management staff of the Ministry.
Speaking during the visit, Prof. Maishanu commended Muhammad for his courage, resilience and commitment to education in spite of losing his parents at a young age.
He assured that the Ministry would critically examine his situation and provide the necessary support to enable him pursue his dream of becoming a Mechatronics Engineer.
According to the Commissioner, the intervention is in line with the vision of Gov. Ahmed Aliyu Sokoto and his 9-Point Smart Agenda, which places premium on education, youth development and support for talented students.
“The Sokoto State Government under the leadership of Governor Ahmed Aliyu Sokoto is committed to identifying talented young people, supporting academic excellence and ensuring that no promising student is denied educational opportunity because of financial or social circumstances,” Maishanu said.
He expressed appreciation to the Sokoto State JAMB Coordinator, Ibrahim Muazu Hassan, for his prompt response and support in bringing Muhammad to the Ministry.
In a statement signed by the Public Relations Officer of the Ministry, Ibrahim Iya, the government reiterated its commitment to supporting talent, promoting education and creating opportunities for the next generation of leaders.
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