From Umar Danladi Ado,Sokoto
The Sokoto State Government has moved to support Muhammad Sirajo Abubakar, a brilliant 16-year-old orphan whose outstanding academic performance attracted widespread attention after his story surfaced on social media.
Muhammad, who lost both parents at a very young age, scored an impressive 353 in the 2026 JAMB examination, with exceptional performance in science subjects. He scored 92 in Mathematics, 67 in English, 98 in Physics and 96 in Chemistry.
His WAEC result is equally remarkable, with three As, four Bs and one C, while his Biology result is still being awaited.
Moved by the young scholar’s determination and academic excellence, the Sokoto State Commissioner for Higher Education, Prof. Isa Maishanu, took steps to ensure that Muhammad’s circumstances do not prevent him from pursuing his educational ambition.
After coming across Muhammad’s story online, the Commissioner contacted the Sokoto State JAMB Coordinator, Ibrahim Muazu Hassan, and directed him to reach out to the student and facilitate his visit to the ministry for appropriate intervention.
Muhammad was subsequently brought to the Ministry of Higher Education on Tuesday, September 29, 2026, where he was received by the Commissioner and officials of the ministry.
The young academic achiever aspires to study Mechatronics Engineering at Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria.
Speaking during the visit, Prof. Isa Muhammad Maishanu commended Muhammad for his exceptional academic achievement, courage and commitment to education despite losing his parents at a young age.
The Commissioner assured that the ministry would carefully examine Muhammad’s situation and work towards providing the necessary support to enable him to continue his education.
The intervention by Prof. Maishanu is in line with the vision of the Executive Governor of Sokoto State, Dr. Ahmad Aliyu Sokoto, FCNA, particularly the administration’s 9-Point Smart Agenda, which places education among its key priorities.
Under Governor Ahmad Aliyu Sokoto, the Sokoto State Government is committed to identifying talented young people, supporting academic excellence and ensuring that promising students are not denied educational opportunities due to financial or social circumstances.
Accordingly, all necessary support will be explored to facilitate Muhammad’s educational journey and help him achieve his dream of becoming a Mechatronics Engineer.
The case of Muhammad Sirajo Abubakar represents not only a story of academic excellence but also a reminder of the importance of investing in young people with the potential to contribute to the future development of Sokoto State and Nigeria.
The ministry further appreciates the Sokoto State JAMB Coordinator, Ibrahim Muazu Hassan, for his prompt response and assistance in bringing Muhammad to the ministry following the Commissioner’s directive.
The Sokoto State Government remains committed to supporting talent, promoting education and creating opportunities for the next generation.