BY MUSA IDRIS UMAR, DECEMBER 16, 2025 | 09:10 AM
Efforts to strengthen moral values and social cohesion through Qur’anic education took center stage in Maiduguri as stakeholders highlighted the need for sustained support for the girl child.
The focus emerged during the 40th National Qur’anic Recitation Competition and Anniversary hosted by Borno State, which attracted participants from across Nigeria.
Associate Professor, Falmata Babagana Umara, wife of the Borno Governor on Monday, used the occasion to call for continuous encouragement of girls in Qur’anic education and memorization, describing it as essential to moral development, unity, and peaceful coexistence.
She noted that Qur’anic recitation plays a role in purifying the soul, providing emotional balance, and strengthening harmony within communities.
The first lady also observed that despite modern distractions, interest in Qur’anic learning remains strong, particularly among female participants at this year’s competition.
The event marked four decades of sustained Qur’anic memorization efforts and the harmonization of Qur’anic learning among young people across the country.
Sadiya Umar, chairperson of the Organisation of Qur’anic Education, explained that the National Qur’anic Recitation Competition was created to promote unity, interaction, and the advancement of Qur’anic education among young Muslims.
She said the platform helps participants deepen their understanding of the spiritual value and benefits of reciting and memorizing the Holy Qur’an.
She highlighted the progress recorded in the female category, noting that the competition has produced internationally recognized winners and respected female Islamic scholars within and outside Nigeria.
Sadiya commended the Borno State Government for its consistent support for Qur’anic and Islamic education and for hosting the competition after more than three decades.
She recalled that Borno last hosted the event during the second edition in the 1980s and urged other states and stakeholders to emulate Borno’s commitment.
Mrs. Zulum expressed satisfaction with the organization of the competition and the level of female participation recorded at the 40th edition.
She called on parents and guardians to continue supporting Qur’anic recitation, memorization, and the application of its teachings in daily life.
The first lady stressed that the Holy Qur’an is not only for recitation but serves as a complete source of guidance and benefit to humanity.
The gathering ended with renewed calls for collective responsibility in sustaining Qur’anic education, especially for girls, as a pathway to moral strength and social stability.