By Ibrahim Hassan-Wuyo

KADUNA — Communities across Kaduna State have commended the Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa Gwabin, for launching a free Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) registration programme for indigent students.

The initiative aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda and Governor Uba Sani’s SUSTAIN Agenda, both of which prioritise expanded educational opportunities and social inclusion.

The programme is expected to benefit over 1,150 students drawn from the 23 local government areas of the state, with at least 50 candidates selected from each council area. It is designed to increase access to tertiary education for children from low-income families, particularly those living in communities affected by banditry and other forms of violent crime.

Residents described the initiative as timely and impactful, noting that it would ease the financial burden on struggling families while opening new academic opportunities for young people. Observers also highlighted its potential contribution to Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 4, which promotes inclusive and equitable quality education and lifelong learning for all by 2030.

Speaking on the development, Mr. Jacob Ibrahim, a resident of Zonkwa in Zangon Kataf Local Government Area, praised General Musa for his compassionate gesture. He said the initiative reflects the minister’s enduring commitment to public service, noting that his leadership—first as Chief of Defence Staff and now as Minister of Defence—has earned widespread support across political, ethnic, and religious lines.

“Almost everyone has set aside political and tribal differences to support him, as well as the administrations of President Tinubu and Governor Uba Sani,” Ibrahim said.

Hon. Mohammed Ibrahim Soba, a politician from Soba Local Government Area, also welcomed the programme, describing it as a significant bridge-building effort. He noted that such an intervention had not been seen in Kaduna State in recent years and expressed confidence that, coming from a minister of Southern Kaduna origin, it would complement Governor Uba Sani’s push for unity, inclusion, and sustainable development across the state.