By Ibrahim Hassan-Wuyo

No fewer than 300 students from rural communities in Kaduna State have received sponsorship for the 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME), courtesy of the Caleb Danladi Foundation.

The beneficiaries, drawn largely from underserved communities, were fully sponsored for the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board registration as part of the foundation’s efforts to expand access to tertiary education and promote youth development.

Speaking during the registration exercise held in Kwoi, Caleb Danladi Bako, founder of the foundation, said the initiative was aimed at removing financial barriers that prevent qualified students from pursuing higher education.

Represented by Mr. David Tuk, Bako described education as a critical tool for societal transformation and sustainable development.

“This initiative is aimed at ensuring that talented young people are not denied the opportunity to further their education because of financial challenges. The Caleb Danladi Foundation remains committed to investing in the future of our youths,” he said.

The gesture attracted commendation from community leaders, traditional rulers and religious leaders, who described the intervention as timely and impactful.

A community leader, Elder Simon Samban, noted that many parents in rural areas struggle to afford JAMB registration fees, adding that the sponsorship had eased the financial burden on families.

“This support has given hope to students who desire higher education. We appreciate the Caleb Danladi Foundation for this noble intervention,” he said.

Religious leaders, including the Kwoi DCC Secretary, also lauded the foundation for demonstrating genuine concern for the welfare and future of young people. They called on other well-meaning individuals and organisations to emulate the initiative by investing in education.

Some of the beneficiaries expressed appreciation, describing the sponsorship as life-changing. One of the students, John Samson, said the intervention came at a critical time as his parents could not afford the registration fee.

“I am very grateful to the foundation for registering me for JAMB. I thought I would miss the examination, but this gesture has encouraged me to work harder in my studies,” he said.

The Caleb Danladi Foundation, a non-profit organisation, focuses on improving lives through interventions in education, youth empowerment, digital literacy and support for vulnerable groups, particularly in rural communities.