by George Ozalla
Communities across Kaduna State have commended the Honourable Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa Rtd, for introducing a free Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) registration scheme for indigent students in the state.
The initiative, aligned with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda and Governor Uba Sani’s SUSTAIN Agenda, is aimed at expanding access to tertiary education for children from economically disadvantaged backgrounds. Under the programme, at least 1,150 students from all 23 local government areas of Kaduna State will benefit, with a minimum of 50 students selected from each local government area.
The scheme specifically targets communities affected by banditry and violent crime, where economic hardship has restricted educational opportunities for many young people. Residents described the intervention as timely and impactful, emphasizing that it will ease financial burdens on struggling families while opening pathways to higher education for deserving students.
Observers also noted that the programme will contribute to the achievement of Sustainable Development Goal 4, which promotes inclusive and equitable quality education and lifelong learning opportunities for all.
Speaking on the development, Mr. Jacob Ibrahim, a resident of Zonkwa in Zangon Kataf Local Government Area, described the initiative as laudable and compassionate. He highlighted General Musa’s long-standing commitment to service, noting that his leadership as both former Chief of Defence Staff and now as Minister of Defence has earned him widespread respect and support across political, ethnic, and religious lines. He added that many residents have set aside political and tribal differences to rally behind the initiative and the administrations of President Tinubu and Governor Uba Sani.
Similarly, Hon. Mohammed Ibrahim Soba, a politician from Soba Local Government Area, described the programme as a major bridge-building effort in the state. He said interventions of this scale have been rare in Kaduna State and expressed confidence that the initiative, coming from a minister of Southern Kaduna origin, would further support Governor Uba Sani’s push for unity, inclusion, and sustainable development.
Residents across Kaduna State say the scheme has already lifted hope in their communities, with many parents expressing relief that their children will now have a fair chance to sit for JAMB without the burden of registration fees. For many, the programme is not just about education but about creating opportunities where they had seemed scarce.
