The Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) has unveiled the winners of the 39th National Qur’anic Recitation Competition as Nigeria’s official representatives at international Qur’anic competitions for 2025.

The announcement was made by the President-General of the NSCIA and Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, following the conclusion of the competition, which took place in Kebbi State, from December 20 to 28, 2024. The event was organized by the Centre for Islamic Studies, Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto.

Representatives in memorisation of the entire Qur’an with tafsir are; Male: Bilal Hamza Abubakar (Zamfara), Ismail Dahiru Nuhu (Plateau), and Nasiru Dahiru Atafowa (Bauchi).

Female: Khadijah Aliyu Ubam (Nasarawa), Zeenat Olawumi Hamzat (Oyo), and Hafsa Yakubu Idris (Kano).

They, alongside winners in the other four categories will be representing Nigeria on the international stage.

The NSCIA Secretary-General, Professor Ishaq Oloyede, reaffirmed the exclusive eligibility of the winners to represent Nigeria at international Qur’anic competitions. He also emphasized that the Centre for Islamic Studies, Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto, remains the only recognized coordinating body for such competitions in Nigeria.

Oloyede warned against unethical practices, including attempts by participants to represent other nations, stating that such actions would attract severe penalties.

He said, “While the right to dual citizenship of any participant in the musabaqah is incontestable, it is improper for any candidate who has participated as a Nigerian in this year’s competition to purport to represent any other nation at any of the international Qur’anic competitions for the same year on the excuse that such nation does not field a candidate.

“The council shall not hesitate to initiate severe penalties against any person involved in any sharp practice that can misrepresent the Nigerian nation at any of the international Qur’anic competitions.” he affirmed.

Sultan announces Nigeria’s representatives at 2025 international Qur’anic competitions