The Sokoto State Government, through the Ministry of Higher Education, has officially flagged off the distribution and registration of the 2026/2027 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination UTME and Direct Entry DE forms, marking the start of an exercise to support students seeking admission into higher institutions.
The exercise involves the distribution of thousands of Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board JAMB forms and is designed to expand access to tertiary education while creating opportunities for young people across Sokoto State.
Speaking at the flag off ceremony held at auditorium of Umaru Ali Shinkafi Polytechnic, the Commissioner for Higher Education, Professor Isa Muhammad Maishanu, described the initiative as an investment in the future of youths in the state. He said the programme aligns with the administration’s nine point innovative agenda on education and human capital development.
Professor Maishanu urged beneficiaries to use the forms judiciously and responsibly, noting that the gesture is meant to serve the collective interest of students and support the development of Sokoto State. He also commended Governor Ahmed Aliyu Sokoto for what he described as an intervention aimed at strengthening access to higher education and increasing admission opportunities into tertiary institutions within and outside the state.
In his welcome remarks, the Director of Academic Planning in the Ministry, Liya’u Alkali, applauded partners and stakeholders for their commitment and collaboration, which he said ensured rollout of the exercise across the state.
Also speaking at the event, the Zonal Director of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board JAMB, Sokoto State Office, Muazu Ibrahim Hassan, delivered remarks and made a presentation on the new guidelines for the 2026/2027 UTME and Direct Entry examinations. He provided clarity on updates and procedures to guide candidates.
Similarly, the Chairman of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria ALGON in Sokoto State, Hon. Abba Shehu Tambuwal, represented by the Chairman of Yabo Local Government Area, Hon. Muhammad Abubakar Bazar, praised the state government for prioritizing education and youth development. He assured that the exercise would be conducted fairly and transparently across all local government areas.
The Chairman of the Sokoto State House of Assembly Committee on Higher Education, represented by the Committee Secretary, Sambo Buhari, reaffirmed the legislature’s support for policies and programmes aimed at expanding access to education in the state.
The event concluded with the distribution of 12,000 UTME forms and 2,000 Direct Entry forms to the 23 local government areas of Sokoto State.
