Two contestants from Borno and Kano States have emerged overall winners in the male and female categories of the National Qur’anic Recitation Competition, tagged “Borno 2025.”

The Director of the Centre for Islamic Studies at Usman Dan Fodio University, Sokoto, Professor Abubakar Yelwa, announced the results during the closing ceremony held in Maiduguri on Saturday.

Professor Yelwa declared Musa Ahmed Musa from Borno State as the overall male champion, while Hafsat Muhammad Sada from Kano State clinched the top spot in the female category.

This year’s event, the 40th edition, featured 296 participants from 30 states competing across six categories during the week-long programme.

Governor Babagana Umara Zulum of Borno State said hosting the 2025 Qur’anic competition reflected the state’s progress and renewed stability. He described the event as a symbol of the people’s commitment to peace, education, and the pursuit of knowledge.

“To host this milestone 40th edition is not just an honour for Borno State; it affirms our unwavering dedication to peace, education, and the noble pursuit of knowledge, especially the divine wisdom of the Holy Qur’an,” he said.

Governor Zulum added that the successful hosting of the national event demonstrates that “Borno is back, Borno is safe, and Borno is once again a centre of learning and spiritual growth.”

He congratulated the winners and commended all participants, noting that their dedication and reverence for the Qur’an exemplified the true spirit of the competition.

Governor Zulum also expressed gratitude to Vice President Senator Kashim Shettima and his wife, Hajiya Nana Kashim Shettima; state governors and their deputies; traditional rulers; Usman Dan Fodio University; and other distinguished personalities for their support.

The ceremony was attended by the wife of the Vice President, Hajiya Nana Kashim Shettima; Governor Dikko Umaru Radda of Katsina State; the Deputy Governor of Sokoto State; the Shehu of Borno, Alhaji Abubakar Ibn Umar Garbai El-Kanemi; lawmakers; top government officials; Islamic scholars; and other dignitaries.

A highlight of the event was the presentation of gifts by the wife of the Vice President.