The Makarfi Endowment Education Trust Fund (METEF), a non-profit organisation in Makarfi Local Government Area of Kaduna State, has paid the tuition and registration fees of over 300 vulnerable students.
Those assisted are pursuing studies at the Kaduna State University (KASU), Kaduna, and the Nuhu Bamalli Polytechnic, Zaria.
A member of the Board of Trustees, METEF, Alhaji Yunusa Muhammad Abdullahi, explained in a press statement that the Chairman of METEF, Alhaji Mahmud Bako Gazara, made the revelation during a recent courtesy visit to key stakeholders in Kaduna town.
Alhaji Mahmud, who holds the traditional title of Wakilin Dajin Zazzau, pointed out that the students faced financial hardship due to fee hikes implemented by the previous administration in the state.
He said the METEF had also recognised and honoured seven distinguished professors from Makarfi who reached the pinnacle of their academic careers, serving as an inspiration for future generations.
He emphasised the historical strength of Makarfi in education and expressed METEF’s dedication to sustain this legacy for the betterment of future generations.
Highlighting the diverse objectives of METEF, the Secretary of the trust fund, Alhaji Sama’ila Aliyu, said in addition to scholarships, it provides skills acquisition training, guidance, and counseling sessions for Makarfi students.
He said the major challenge for students seeking admission in the area is the lack of a JAMB centre in Makarfi Local Government Area as students have to travel to Zaria for their UTME exams.
He said some students also lack computer literacy, hindering their academic success.
“To address these challenges, the METEF leadership plans to engage with relevant organisations to discuss ways to enhance educational opportunities in the area,” he added.
On his part, the Member of the House of Representatives for the Makarfi/Kudan Federal Constituency, Honorable Umar Shehu Ajilo, expressed his commitment to collaborating with METEF to elevate education in the area.
Former Governor of Kaduna State, Senator Ahmed Mohammed Makarfi, along with other prominent stakeholders, also commended METEF’s vision and pledged their support in achieving their goals.
Other stakeholders visited to solicit support, including a former Deputy Comptroller General of Customs, Alhaji Garba Bala Makarfi, and Alhaji Auwalu Mohammed Makarfi, pledged to help METEF achieve its goals.
In his press statement, Alhaji Yunusa Muhammad Abdullahi noted that the group “is making significant strides in promoting educational advancement” in the area.
He said the stakeholder visit was aimed at raising awareness about METEF’s impactful activities and seeking collaboration to ensure quality education is accessible to every Makarfi indigene, regardless of their socio-economic background.
“Established for a decade, METEF is actively seeking support from relevant stakeholders to fully realise its noble objectives,” he said.