Brilliance, devotion and mastery of the Holy Qur’an took centre stage in Ilorin as students from Bayero University, Kano (BUK) and Igbinedion University, Okada, emerged stars at the grand finale of the 4th Inter-Universities Qur’an Memorisation Competition.
A female medical student of Igbinedion University, Firdaws Idris, and an engineering student of Bayero University, Kano, Sodiq Ahmed AbdulRahman, thrilled Islamic scholars, academics and guests with their exceptional command of Qur’anic memorisation, clinching first positions in their respective categories.
The week-long spiritual exercise, organised by the Centre for Islamic Heritage, Al-Hikmah University, Ilorin, attracted participants from over 24 universities across the North-Central and South-East zones, according to the Acting Director of the Centre, Dr. Nafiu Ahmad Arikewuyo.
In Category A (10 Hizb), Firdaws Idris outshone 22 other contestants to take the top prize. She was followed by Abdulmuneen Abubakar Al-Imam, an Agricultural Science student of Al-Hikmah University, who came second, while Ziyadatul Khayr Al-Ameen, a Plant Biology student of the University of Ilorin, finished third.
For Category B (30 Hizb), Sodiq Ahmed AbdulRahman of Bayero University, Kano, delivered an outstanding performance to emerge winner and was also crowned the overall best reciter of the competition.
Atukale AbdulQadir Olarewaju, a student of Metallurgical Engineering at the University of Lagos, secured second place, while Sheriffdeen AbdulRaheem Akin of the Department of Building and Quantity Surveying, University of Abuja, came third.
Speaking at the grand finale and the presentation of merit awards, the Grand Khadi of Kwara State, Justice Abdulateed Kamaldeen, urged the Muslim ummah to deepen their commitment to the study of the Qur’an and reflect its teachings in their daily lives.
According to him, the Holy Qur’an provides a comprehensive guide for human existence, including solutions to societal challenges such as crime and moral decline.
Vice-Chancellor of Al-Hikmah University, Professor Abdulateef Oladimeji, alongside the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ilorin, Professor Wahab Egbewole (SAN), who declared the event open, commended the organisers for promoting spiritual rejuvenation and moral values among students of tertiary institutions nationwide.
In a show of generosity, the Founder of Al-Hikmah University, Alhaji AbdulRaheem Oladimeji Igbaja, praised the judges for their diligence and announced a cash donation of ₦5 million to reward the winners and judges.
The event also featured the conferment of Merit Awards for Distinguished Servants of the Qur’an on two eminent Nigerians: Hon. Afees Onaara, Chairman/Chief Executive of Chaste Intellect International School, and Barrister Ibrahim Atanda, Proprietor of Ar-Raheem International Schools, in recognition of their contributions to excellence in Qur’anic education.
The colourful finale blended scholarship, spirituality and celebration, leaving participants and guests inspired by the power of the Qur’an to shape minds and morals across Nigeria’s campuses.
