A young Qur’anic scholar from Gombe State, Maryam Ibrahim Dan-Azumi, has brought honour to Nigeria after emerging as the winner of the second category at the prestigious 46th King Abdulaziz International Qur’an Recitation Competition in Makkah, Saudi Arabia.

Maryam, a student of the Abubakar Siddiq Community School for Qur’an Memorisation, Herwagana Quarters, Gombe, represented Nigeria at the international competition, where participants competed in Qur’anic memorisation, recitation, Tajweed and Tafsir.

She recorded an impressive 97.70 marks, finishing first in the second category, which covers the memorisation of the 60 Hizb of the Qur’an with Tafsir.

Her victory reportedly came with prizes valued at approximately N120 million, further adding to the recognition she has earned through her dedication to Qur’anic scholarship.

But Maryam’s latest achievement is far from her first major success.

Before travelling to Saudi Arabia, she had already established herself as one of Nigeria’s outstanding female Qur’anic reciters. She emerged first in the female category of the 40th National Qur’anic Recitation Competition held in Maiduguri, Borno State.

At that competition, she also scored 97.70 marks in the memorisation of the entire Qur’an with Tafsir and was rewarded with a brand-new Toyota Corolla, an Umrah opportunity and other prizes.

From Qur’anic Scholarship to University Education
What makes Maryam’s story even more remarkable is that her pursuit of Qur’anic knowledge has gone hand in hand with her formal university education.
She is currently in her final year at Gombe State University, where she studies Physics Education.
Her journey demonstrates that Qur’anic scholarship and academic education can coexist, with Maryam pursuing excellence in both areas.

A Family of Qur’anic Champions

Maryam’s latest international achievement also continues an impressive family tradition.
Her elder sister, Hajara Ibrahim Dan-Azumi, won an international Qur’anic competition in 2024.
Hajara emerged as the overall winner of the 18th Hashemite Jordan International Qur’anic Competition for Females, held in Jordan.
Following her victory, Prof. Isa Ali Pantami reportedly gifted her a car and paid her university scholarship fees in full.

Hajara studied Botany and has since completed her university education.

With Maryam now adding another international title to the family’s record, the Dan-Azumi sisters are becoming a remarkable example of Qur’anic scholarship, academic excellence and dedication.
Maryam’s achievement in Makkah is therefore more than an individual victory. It is a proud moment for Gombe State, Nigeria and the wider community of Qur’anic scholars.

Her story is also a reminder that discipline, knowledge and perseverance can open doors far beyond the places where a journey begins.