Things to know about Nigerian girl who won N120m at Saudi Arabia Qur’anic competition

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A Nigerian student from Gombe State, Maryam Ibrahim Dan-Azumi, has emerged the overall winner of the second category of the 46th King Abdulaziz International Qur’an Recitation Competition held in Makkah, Saudi Arabia.

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Maryam, a student of Abubakar Siddiq Community School for Qur’an Memorisation in Gombe, represented Nigeria at the prestigious international competition, where she competed in the category covering memorisation of the entire Holy Qur’an, recitation, Tajweed and interpretation.

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Here are things to know about the Nigerian Qur’anic scholar:

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1. She emerged first in Saudi Arabia

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Maryam emerged first position in the second category, which covers memorisation of 60 Hizb of the Qur’an with Tafsir.

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She recorded an impressive 97.70 marks, finishing ahead of other contestants at the international competition.

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2. She won N120m

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Maryam’s victory came with a prize reportedly worth N120m, adding to the recognition she has received for her Qur’anic scholarship.

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The King Abdulaziz International Qur’an Recitation Competition is an international Qur’anic competition held in Makkah, Saudi Arabia.

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3. She made history as a female contestant

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Maryam’s victory was particularly significant because the 2026 edition marked the first participation of female contestants in the 46-year history of the competition.

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Her emergence as the winner therefore marked a historic achievement for female participation in the competition.

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4. She hails from Gombe

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Maryam hails from Gombe State, where she developed her Qur’anic memorisation skills at the Abubakar Siddiq Community School for Qur’an Memorisation, Herwagana Quarters, Gombe.

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Her school celebrated her latest achievement, describing it as a source of pride for Gombe State and the wider Muslim community.

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5. She had already excelled at the national level

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Maryam’s international victory was not her first major Qur’anic competition success.

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She had earlier emerged first in the female category at the 40th National Qur’anic Recitation Competition in Maiduguri, Borno State.

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She scored 97.70 marks in the memorisation of the entire Qur’an with Tafsir.

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She was also rewarded with a brand-new Toyota Corolla and an Umrah seat, among other prizes.

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6. She has won other Qur’anic competitions

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In February 2024, Maryam emerged overall winner of the National Qur’an Recitation Competition of Nana Asma’u.

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Her successive victories took her from competitions at the local and state levels to the national stage and eventually to the international competition in Makkah.

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7. She is studying Physics Education

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Beyond her Qur’anic scholarship, Maryam is also pursuing a university education.

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She is currently in her final year at Gombe State University, where she studies Physics Education.

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8. Qur’anic excellence runs in her family

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Maryam’s latest victory adds to an impressive family record.

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Her elder sister, Hajara Ibrahim Dan-Azumi, also won an international Qur’anic competition in 2024.

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Hajara emerged overall winner at the 18th Hashemite Jordan International Qur’anic Competition for Females in Jordan.

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Following her victory, Prof Isa Ali Pantami reportedly gifted Hajara a car and paid her university scholarship fees in full.

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Hajara studied Botany and has completed her university education.

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9. She is recognised by federal, state government

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President Bola Tinubu on Friday congratulated Maryam on her achievement, describing her success as a source of pride for Nigeria.

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Tinubu praised her dedication to Qur’anic scholarship and her ability to excel on the international stage.

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The President also noted that Maryam’s achievement followed the success of her elder sister, Hajara, in Jordan in 2024.

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He celebrated the sisters as an inspiration to young Nigerians and praised their achievements for bringing honour to the country.

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Gombe State Governor, Muhammadu Yahaya on Thursday also congratulated Maryam, her family, teachers and the Muslim community following her victory.

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Yahaya described the achievement as a source of pride for Gombe State and Nigeria.

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He said, “I am deeply proud of our daughter’s exceptional achievement on the global stage. Maryam’s triumph exemplifies the excellence and rich educational heritage of Gombe State.”

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10. She progressed from local to international competitions

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Maryam’s journey to the international stage has been described as remarkable.

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According to Governor Yahaya, she progressed from emerging first at the local government level, to first in Gombe State, then first at the national level, before representing Nigeria and emerging first internationally in Makkah.

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The governor said he looked forward to receiving and personally honouring Maryam upon her return to Nigeria.

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11. Her victory has brought recognition to Nigeria

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Maryam’s achievement has placed both Gombe State and Nigeria in the spotlight at one of the major international Qur’anic competitions.

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Her victory is also historic because it came in the same edition that opened participation to female contestants for the first time in the competition’s 46-year history.

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Her success, alongside that of her elder sister, Hajara, further highlights the family’s strong record in international Qur’anic competitions.

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