Tukur Tingilin, a prominent philanthropist and chief of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in Katsina State, has distributed 300 free University Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) forms to indigent candidates in the Malumfashi and Kafur Local Government Areas.
In an interview on Monday, Tingilin, who also serves as the managing director of the Katsina State Water Board Corporation, shared the motive behind his benevolent act. Beyond merely providing UTME forms, he emphasized the importance of promoting scholarship and ensuring that beneficiaries become productive contributors to society.
His initiative aims to complement the state government’s efforts in education and prepare the youth to compete globally.
As part of the comprehensive support, 50 pupils have been sponsored for the National Examination Council (NECO), and specialized training sessions, particularly in computer literacy, have been organized.
This computer literacy program exposes candidates to computer-based examinations, ensuring they are well-prepared for the challenges ahead. Dr. Tingilin reassured that measures have been put in place to support successful candidates with their school fees and subsequent admission processes.
Highlighting future plans, Tingilin revealed, “By next year, through the support of Governor Dikko Radda, we are hoping to pay for more pupils that performed better in public examinations.”
This forward-looking approach indicates a sustained commitment to uplifting educational standards in the region.
Beyond education, the philanthropist extended his benevolence to the community by disbursing N5,000 each to 975 underprivileged residents of the areas. Additionally, blankets were provided to Almajirai across selected Tsangaya (Islamiya) schools, emphasizing a holistic approach to promoting self-sustainability.
Governor Dikko Radda expressed his appreciation for the intervention, emphasizing that it aligns with the priorities of his administration.
He commended the groups involved, asserting that such initiatives eliminate the need for extensive campaign efforts during future elections for the APC in the state. Governor Radda challenged other politicians to follow suit and engage in meaningful gestures that would resonate with the people.
The philanthropic initiatives, spearheaded by Zanna Foundation in collaboration with Ash-Shifa Social Development and Health Awareness Group, reflect a collective commitment to fostering positive change and creating opportunities for the underprivileged in Katsina State.