In a remarkable move to support underprivileged students, Sokoto State Governor, Ahmad Aliyu, has approved the provision of free Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB)/Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) and Direct Entry (DE) registration for indigent students in the state for the upcoming 2025/2026 academic session. This initiative is part of the Governor’s 9-point agenda, aimed at improving the educational sector and making higher education more accessible to all, particularly those who are financially disadvantaged.
Governor Aliyu’s decision marks a significant step towards addressing the barriers that prevent many qualified students from pursuing tertiary education. The initiative will cover the full cost of registration forms, ensuring that students who are academically capable but lack the financial resources can still compete for admission to universities and other higher learning institutions across the country.
The Commissioner for Higher Education, Professor Isa Muhammad Maishanu, emphasized the Governor’s deep concern for the financial difficulties faced by many families in the state. “This initiative is designed to reduce the financial burden on indigent students, ensuring they are not deprived of the opportunity to further their education due to economic constraints,” said Professor Maishanu in a statement issued on Friday. He added that, in addition to the registration forms, the government will also pay the online registration fees for all beneficiaries.
The distribution of the free JAMB registration PINs will take place at the 23 Local Government Secretariats across Sokoto State. Eligible students are required to visit their respective secretariats, where they will collect the necessary forms and PINs for registration. The State Ministry for Higher Education will oversee the entire process to ensure transparency and fairness in the distribution. The initiative is designed to reach all deserving students, regardless of their location within the state.
To participate in the program, students must generate a Profile Code by texting their 11-digit National Identification Number (NIN) to 55019. Only students who meet the academic requirement of at least five credits in their Senior Secondary Certificate Examination (SSCE), including compulsory subjects such as Mathematics and English, will be eligible for the free registration.
Professor Maishanu further encouraged the students to take full advantage of this opportunity, urging them to prepare diligently for their examinations. “We urge all beneficiaries to study hard, as this is not just an opportunity to secure a spot in tertiary institutions, but a chance to secure a brighter future for themselves and contribute to the development of the state and country,” he said.
This initiative is expected to have a significant impact on the educational landscape in Sokoto, as it removes one of the key financial barriers that many students face when seeking admission to higher institutions. By facilitating access to education, the Governor’s office is not only empowering individuals but also contributing to the overall socio-economic development of Sokoto State and Nigeria at large.
As Sokoto State continues to prioritize education and youth empowerment, this move by Governor Aliyu further strengthens the state’s commitment to investing in its human capital. By ensuring that all students have the opportunity to sit for the JAMB/UTME exams, regardless of their economic background, the Governor is paving the way for a more inclusive and equitable educational system.
