Bayero University, Kano (BUK) has emerged winner of the maiden edition of the Nigerian Universities Qur’anic Recitation Competition (NUQRIC), with Abdusamad Bello clinching the overall first position.
The competition which was 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 BUK, 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 the 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.
In his remarks, the Director of the Centre for Qur’anic Studies, Prof. Ahmad Murtala, said the initiative 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.
He explained that the 2025 edition featured three categories namely; 60 Hizb, 40 Hizb, and 20 Hizb , adding that future editions would be expanded to include more categories.
The Chief Judge of the competition, Prof. Aliyu Harun, said a total of 54 participants from 19 universities across the country took part 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, Abdulsamad Bello from BUK received the sum of N700,000, second position, 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 winner, Usman Faruq-Yahuza from Al Qalam University received N500,000, second placed Faisal Usman-Abubakar from BUK received N350,000, while the third position, Abubakar Abubakar from ABU Zaria received N250,000.
While the 20 Hizbs category, the winner, 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.