Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has showered heartfelt congratulations on Maryam Ibrahim Dan'Azumi, a brilliant daughter of Gombe State, for her historic victory in the women's category at the 46th King Abdulaziz International Qur'anic Competition held in the holy city of Makkah, Saudi Arabia. Dan'Azumi, a student of Abubakar Siddiq Community Islamic School for Qur'anic Memorisation and a final-year student of Gombe State University, delivered an exceptional performance that saw her defeat competitors from 132 other countries to claim the top position and a prize of 300,000 Saudi Riyals, equivalent to about N120 million. In a statement issued on Friday, August 21, 2026, by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the President described her achievement as a remarkable personal triumph and a profound source of national pride.
The 46th edition of the King Abdulaziz International Qur'an Competition, organised by Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Dawah and Guidance, attracted 334 contestants representing 133 countries across Asia, Africa, Europe, the Middle East and the Americas. The 2026 edition marked a historic milestone as it was the first time female contestants participated in the international competition, making Maryam's victory a landmark accomplishment. Maryam competed in the highly demanding category requiring memorisation of the entire Holy Qur'an, recitation, Tajweed and interpretation of all 60 Hizb with Tafsir, emerging first overall among contestants from several countries. The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia awarded a total of 10.26 million Saudi Riyals, about N3.6 billion, in prize money to the winners across five categories.
President Tinubu particularly commended Maryam's elder sister, Hajara Ibrahim Dan'Azumi, who won a similar international Qur'anic competition in Jordan in 2024, describing both sisters as powerful sources of inspiration to young Nigerians. The President also acknowledged the parents, teachers and mentors who contributed to their development and success, recognising the discipline, sacrifice and commitment required to attain such an exceptional level of Qur'anic scholarship. He expressed gratitude to the organisers and authorities of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for providing a distinguished international platform that promotes excellence in Qur'anic memorisation, recitation and scholarship. The President reaffirmed his administration's commitment to supporting initiatives that nurture the intellectual, moral and spiritual development of young Nigerians.
The victory is particularly significant as it marks the first participation of females in the 46-year history of the competition. Maryam had earlier emerged first at the local government and state level, as well as first nationally, before representing Nigeria at the international competition. She secured first place in the second category, winning the top prize of SAR300,000, followed by Amat Al-Rahman Badi Mutahhar Kulaib of Bahrain with SAR275,000 and Amani bint Shaya bin Awad Al-Husaiki Al-Harthi of Saudi Arabia with SAR250,000. Daily Trust reports that the achievement is particularly significant as it marked the first participation of females in the 46-year history of the competition. The 46th edition attracted 334 contestants, comprising 202 males and 132 females, representing 133 countries across Asia, Africa, Europe, the Middle East and the Americas.
President Tinubu, in his message, declared, "Maryam Ibrahim Dan Azumi's victory in the highly competitive category covering memorisation of the entire Holy Qur'an, recitation, Tajweed and interpretation of all 60 Hizb with Tafsir is a remarkable achievement that has brought immense honour to Nigeria and further demonstrated the excellence, discipline, dedication and intellectual capacity of Nigerian youths. She has made Nigeria proud. Her achievement in Makkah is a powerful testimony to what our young people can accomplish when talent is matched with discipline, faith, hard work and dedicated mentorship. On behalf of the Government and people of Nigeria, I congratulate Maryam on this remarkable victory. May Almighty Allah continue to guide, protect and increase her in knowledge and wisdom, and may her achievement inspire many more young Nigerians to pursue excellence."
President Tinubu further wished Maryam continued success as she advances in her Qur'anic scholarship and in all her future endeavours. Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya of Gombe State has also reportedly extended his congratulations to Maryam, describing her achievement as a source of pride for the state. Maryam's victory has placed Nigeria prominently on the global stage through her mastery of the Holy Qur'an, demonstrating the excellence, discipline and intellectual capacity of Nigerian youths. The President's recognition of her achievement underscores his administration's commitment to supporting initiatives that nurture the intellectual, moral and spiritual development of young Nigerians. As Maryam Dan'Azumi returns home with her historic prize, her victory stands as a powerful inspiration to countless young Nigerians pursuing excellence in Qur'anic scholarship and beyond, a testament to what can be achieved when talent is matched with discipline, faith and dedicated mentorship.
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