BUK student wins Qur’anic recitation competition

Abdusamad Bello a student from Bayero University Kano (BUK), was on Thursday crowned as the first winner of the maiden Nigerian Universities Qur’anic Recitation Competition (NUQREC) held in Kano. The maiden competition, organised by the Centre for Qur’anic Studies, BUK, in collaboration with the Muslim Students’ Society of Nigeria (MSSN), brought together students from various […]

Abdusamad Bello a student from Bayero University Kano (BUK), was on Thursday crowned as the first winner of the maiden Nigerian Universities Qur’anic Recitation Competition (NUQREC) held in Kano.

The maiden competition, organised by the Centre for Qur’anic Studies, BUK, in collaboration with the Muslim Students’ Society of Nigeria (MSSN), brought together students from various universities across the country.

Speaking at the closing ceremony, on Thursday, the Vice-Chancellor of the university, Prof. Sagir Adamu-Abbas, congratulated the organisers and participants, describing the competition as a celebration of discipline, devotion and the timeless beauty of divine revelation.

“The Qur’an is not only a book of guidance, but a transformative force that shapes character, revives hearts, and builds responsible citizens,” he said.

He also highlighted Qur’anic principles that promote peace, unity, and accountability in society.

He called on other institutions, governments, and philanthropists to invest in Qur’anic and Islamic education by establishing centres of excellence in universities across the country.

The Director of the Centre for Qur’anic Studies, Prof. Ahmad Murtala, said the initiative is aimed to promote Islamic knowledge, particularly Qur’anic memorisation and understanding, among Nigerian university students.

“Our goal is to provide a platform for students to showcase their knowledge and recitation skills, promote healthy competition, and foster positive cooperation,” he said.

Murtala explained that the 2025 edition featured three categories of 60 Hizb, 40 Hizb, and 20 Hizb due to time constraints, adding that future editions would be expanded to include more categories.

He appreciated the MSSN, BUK management, and other partners for their support in making the event a success.

The Chief Judge of the competition, Gwani Prof. Aliyu Haruna, said a total of 54 participants from 19 universities across the country participated in the competition, noting that they exhibited a high level of discipline and expertise in the recitation of the Qur’an.

The first winner of 60 hizbs received the sum of N700,000, second Usman Ibrahim from Nasarawa State University Keffi, received N500,000 while the third position Aliyu Abudllahi-Zubair, from Federal University Dustin-Ma received N350, 000.

In the 40 Hizbs the first Usman Faruq-Yahuza from Al Qalam University received N500,000, Faisal Usman-Abubakar from BUK received N350,000, while the third Abubakar Sa’ad Abubakar from ABU Zaria received N250,000.

While for 20 Hizbs, Saifullahi Sunusi from Federal University Birnin Kebbi, received N350,000, the second position Sadiq Ahmad from BUK received N250,000, while the third position Hamza Awaisu from Aliko Dangote University, Wudil, received N200,000.

Each of the remaining participants received a consolation prize of ₦20,000.