By Peter Onyekachukwu 
By Peter Onyekachukwu
Abdusamad Bello, a student of Bayero University Kano (BUK), on Thursday emerged winner of the maiden Nigerian Universities Qur’anic Recitation Competition (NUQREC) held in Kano.
The competition, organised by BUK’s Centre for Qur’anic Studies in collaboration with the Muslim Students’ Society of Nigeria (MSSN), featured participants from universities across the country.
Speaking at the closing ceremony, BUK Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Sagir Adamu-Abbas, congratulated the organisers and participants, describing the event 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, stressing that Qur’anic principles promote peace, unity, and accountability in society.
He urged governments, institutions, and philanthropists to invest in Qur’anic and Islamic education by establishing centres of excellence in universities nationwide.
The Director of the Centre for Qur’anic Studies, Prof. Ahmad Murtala, said the initiative was designed to promote Islamic knowledge, especially Qur’anic memorisation and understanding, among 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 explained.
Chief Judge of the competition, Gwani Prof. Aliyu Haruna, disclosed that 54 students from 19 universities participated, commending them for their discipline and expertise.
Bello, the first winner in the 60 Hizb category, received ₦700,000. Usman Ibrahim of Nasarawa State University, Keffi, came second with ₦500,000, while Aliyu Abdullahi-Zubair of Federal University, Dutsin-Ma, placed third with ₦350,000.
In the 40 Hizb category, Usman Faruq-Yahuza of Al-Qalam University won ₦500,000, while Faisal Usman-Abubakar of BUK and Abubakar Sa’ad Abubakar of Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, received ₦350,000 and ₦250,000 respectively.
For the 20 Hizb category, Saifullahi Sunusi of Federal University Birnin Kebbi took first place with ₦350,000. Sadiq Ahmad of BUK and Hamza Awaisu of Aliko Dangote University, Wudil, emerged second and third, winning ₦250,000 and ₦200,000 respectively.
Each of the remaining contestants received a consolation prize of ₦20,000.