Sokoto Govt to support 16-year-old orphan who scored 353 in JAMB

The Sokoto State Government has pledged full academic support to Muhammad Sirajo Abubakar, a 16-year-old orphan who scored 353 in the 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME).

Muhammad maintained exceptional scores across his core subjects; 98 in Physics, 96 in Chemistry, 92 in Mathematics, and 67 in English. His West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) results were equally strong, with three As, four Bs, and one C, with his Biology result still pending.

Muhammad lost both of his parents at a young age and is currently seeking admission to study Mechatronics Engineering at Ahmadu Bello University (ABU) in Zaria.

His academic achievement generated massive traction on social media, prompting the Sokoto State Commissioner for Higher Education, Professor Isa Muhammad Maishanu, to take action. The commissioner contacted the state JAMB coordinator, Ibrahim Muazu Hassan, to track down the student and bring him to the ministry.

On Tuesday, officials from the ministry officially received Muhammad at their office in Sokoto. During the visit, Professor Maishanu praised the teenager for his focus, courage, and commitment to his studies despite growing up without parents.

In a statement released on Wednesday, Ministry spokesperson Ibrahim Iya said that the state government is working out the details to sponsor Muhammad’s higher education.