Governor grants N500,000, homes and lifelong education support to winners, while judges receive N2m each as state boosts Islamic scholarship

Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, has offered a generous package of houses and financial assistance, as well as scholarships, to the judges and winners of the 2025 Annual National Qur’anic Recitation Competition, held in Maiduguri.

Governor Zulum announced this on Saturday while receiving judges and winners of the competition on a courtesy visit at the Government House.

To encourage excellence in Qur’anic education, the Governor announced that each of the 15 judges would receive N2 million. At the same time, every winner would be awarded a house, N500,000 cash, and sponsorship to pursue education up to PhD level if they choose.

“Each of the 15 judges will receive N2 million. The winners will each receive a house, sponsorship to further their education up to PhD level, if they so wish, as well as N500,000. It is our sincere prayer that, Insha Allah, Borno State will continue to win first positions, not only in Nigeria but also in international Qur’anic competitions,” Zulum said.

The Governor also used the occasion to commend the officials that coordinated the competition, describing the 2025 edition hosted by Borno State as the best organised in the country.

“I must thank the hardworking Secretary to Borno State Government, Alhaji Bukar Tijani, for all the good work that he has been doing since he assumed the mantle of leadership as the Secretary to Borno State Government. Let me also commend the Secretary of the committee, Khalifa Ali Ahmad Abulfathi, and his members for a thorough job,” he added.

The Governor attributed the achievement to the commitment of the organising committee, noting that financial support alone could not have delivered such an outcome.

“Last year’s Qur’anic competition that was held in Borno State was adjudged as the best ever held in Nigeria. While my support was acknowledged, I also believe that no matter the quantum of money Borno State Government gives to this committee, without the dedication and commitment of the chairman and members of the committee, these success stories could not have been achieved,”

Governor Zulum reaffirmed his administration’s determination to revive Borno’s historical reputation as a leading centre of Islamic and Arabic scholarship. He recalled that the state’s past rulers conducted official correspondence in Arabic and expressed optimism that the state would reclaim that legacy.

Similarly, Governor Babagana Zulum received 12 outstanding students from the Mustafa Umar El-Kanemi Al-Azhar Institute, Maiduguri, that have been awarded scholarships by Al-Azhar University, Cairo, Egypt, to pursue their senior secondary education.

He appreciated the Government of Egypt and the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar Institute for the scholarship scheme and also for sponsoring 20 Egyptian teachers to come and train students in Arabic and Islamic education in the State.

“I want to congratulate the students and commend the teachers of Al’azhar Institute for the Services that have been rendered for the promotion of not only Arabic but also Islamic education. Let me assure you that Borno State Government will complement the effort of Al’azhar University by also supporting the students and their parents,” Zulum assured.

Zulum further disclosed that the state government would complete the ongoing NYSC quarters before the end of his administration, enabling the Al-Azhar Institute to resume full boarding operations.

The leader of the two delegations and the Chairman of the Borno State Arabic and Tsangaya Education Board, Sheikh Khalifa Ahmad Abulfathi, commended the uncommon support of Governor Babagana Umara Zulum for the growth and advancement of Qur’anic and Islamic education.

The Governor highlighted the establishment of the Al-Azhar Institute in Maiduguri through a partnership with Al-Azhar in Cairo, Egypt, explaining that about 20 Egyptian teachers are currently providing instruction in the institution at no cost to Borno State Government following sustained engagements with the leadership of Al-Azhar University.

“With a view to re-establishing Qur’anic and Islamic education, Borno State Government established the Al-Azhar Institute under a memorandum with Al-Azhar in Cairo. The Egyptian teachers you have seen are teaching in Borno with the support of the Government of Egypt. Borno State Government is not paying a kobo for their services. We have also decided to recruit additional Egyptian teachers so they can come and teach in the school,” the Governor said.

He said the institution has the capacity to accommodate about 4,000 students, with 70 percent of admissions reserved for indigenes of Borno State and the remaining 30 percent for students from across the country.

The Governor congratulated the judges and winners for their outstanding performances and reaffirmed his administration’s unwavering commitment to promoting Qur’anic, Islamic and Arabic education across the state.

The event was attended by the Speaker, Borno State House of Assembly, Rt Hon. Abdulkarim Lawan; Secretary to the Government of Borno State, Bukar Tijani; acting Chief of Staff, Dr Babagana Mustafa Malumbe, Commissioners, Special Advisers, and Heads; Permanent Secretaries; and Heads of Government agencies.