BY MUSA MU UMAR, DECEMBER 20, 2025 | 09:49 PM

Women took center stage at the 2025 National Qur’anic Recitation Competition as Hafsat Muhammad Sada from Kano State emerged overall winner in the female category.

The competition, tagged ‘Borno 2025,’ was the 40th edition in the national series and was held over one week in Maiduguri.

A total of 296 contestants from 30 states participated in the competition, competing across six recitation categories.

Abubakar Yelwa, director of the Centre for Islamic Studies at Usman Dan Fodio University, Sokoto, announced the results at the closing ceremony.

He declared Hafsat Muhammad Sada as the overall female champion, while Musa Ahmed Musa from Borno State emerged as the overall winner in the male category.

Babagana Umara Zulum, Borno State governor, said the successful hosting of the national competition reflected the return of peace and stability to the state.

‘Hosting this milestone 40th edition affirms our commitment to peace, education, and the pursuit of knowledge,’ Zulum said.

He said the event showed Borno’s resolve to rebuild and promote both religious and secular education.

‘The successful hosting of this competition is a clear signal that Borno is safe and open for learning,’ he added.

Zulum congratulated Hafsat Sada and other winners, describing their achievements as the result of discipline and dedication to the Holy Qur’an.

He also praised female participation in the competition, saying it highlighted the growing role of women in religious scholarship.

The governor commended all contestants, noting that participation itself reflected commitment to knowledge and faith.

He thanked Kashim Shettima, vice president of Nigeria, his wife Nana Kashim Shettima, state governors, royal fathers, Usman Dan Fodio University, and other stakeholders for their support.

The event was attended by Nana Kashim Shettima, wife of the vice president, Dikko Umoru Radda, Katsina State governor, the Sokoto State deputy governor, Abubakar Ibn Umar Garbai El-Kanemi, the Shehu of Borno, lawmakers, traditional rulers, Islamic scholars, and other dignitaries.

The ceremony ended with the presentation of gifts by the wife of the vice president, Nana Kashim Shettima.