Yobe State Governor, Mai Mala Buni, has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to promoting Islamic and Arabic education alongside conventional education, saying the approach is aimed at developing knowledgeable, disciplined and responsible citizens.
Buni stated this on Wednesday in Damaturu during the closing ceremony of the 36th Annual Qur’anic Recitation Competition, also known as Musabaqah, organised by the Yobe State Arabic and Islamic Education Board.
Key Highlights
- Governor Mai Mala Buni reaffirmed support for Islamic and Arabic education in Yobe State.
- The 36th Yobe Qur’anic competition attracted 154 participants over five days.
- Abubakar Usman of Potiskum won the male category.
- Amina Sa’idu Haruna of Nangere emerged winner of the female category.
- The two overall winners received ₦500,000 each.
- The male winner also received a deep freezer, while the female winner received a tailoring machine.
- The Yobe Government said it would continue investing in religious and conventional education.
- Officials called for greater collaboration among scholars, parents, traditional institutions and communities.
Buni Highlights Importance of Qur’anic Education
Represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Dr Mohammed Goje, Buni described the annual competition as more than a contest, saying it provides an opportunity to nurture knowledge, discipline, good character and moral values.
According to the governor, the teachings of the Qur’an on justice, compassion, honesty, patience, peaceful coexistence and responsibility remain relevant to the development and stability of Yobe State.
“Yobe State Government remains committed to promoting Islamic and Arabic education alongside conventional education and ensuring that our young people are equipped with the knowledge, skills and moral foundation required to become responsible and productive citizens,” Buni said.
Government to Support Islamic and Conventional Education
Buni said his administration would continue to invest in educational and religious institutions while supporting Qur’anic and Islamic scholarship.
He said the government would also strengthen the capacity of teachers and institutions and create opportunities for young people to acquire both religious and contemporary knowledge.
The governor stressed the importance of collaboration among Islamic scholars, traditional institutions, parents and communities in promoting moderation, tolerance, unity and proper understanding of Islam among young people.
He congratulated the winners and urged them to regard their achievements as a responsibility to remain worthy ambassadors of the Holy Qur’an.
Buni also commended all participants for their dedication to memorising, reciting and understanding the Qur’an, saying their efforts deserved recognition regardless of their positions in the competition.
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154 Participants Take Part in Competition
The Executive Secretary of the Yobe State Arabic and Islamic Education Board, Malam Umar Mohammed, disclosed that 154 participants took part in the five-day competition.
He said the successful conclusion of the 36th Qur’anic Musabaqah demonstrated the state government’s commitment to promoting Qur’anic excellence, encouraging young reciters and strengthening Arabic and Islamic education.
The governor commended the Yobe State Arabic and Islamic Education Board, Ministries of Religious Affairs and Basic and Secondary Education, Islamic scholars, teachers, judges, members of the organising committee and other stakeholders for contributing to the success of the competition.
Potiskum, Nangere Participants Emerge Winners
Two overall winners emerged from the competition.
Abubakar Usman of Potiskum took first position in the male category, while Amina Sa’idu Haruna of Nangere emerged winner of the female category.
The two winners received ₦500,000 each as cash prizes.
The male winner also received a deep freezer, while the female winner was presented with a tailoring machine.
Government Highlights Integrated Education Approach
Also speaking at the ceremony, the Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Associate Professor Idriss Adam, said the administration’s investment in conventional and Islamic education reflected its holistic approach to developing young people.
Adam said the establishment of the Mai Mala Buni Integrated College would further expand access to quality conventional and Islamic education in the state.
The Commissioner for Religious Affairs, Alhaji Yusuf Umar, also attended the ceremony alongside the Emir of Damaturu, Alhaji (Dr) Shehu Hashimi II Ibn Umar Al-Amin El-Kanemi, the Emir of Machina, Alhaji (Dr) Bashir Albishir Bukar, and the Emir of Jajere, Alhaji Mai Hamza Ibn Buba Isa Mashio.
Government officials, heads of security agencies, Islamic scholars, traditional rulers, parents, teachers and other stakeholders also attended the closing ceremony. For more updates on this and other stories, follow us on X.
