A Nigerian student from Gombe State, Maryam Ibrahim Dan’Azumi, has emerged as the winner of the women’s second category at the 46th King Abdulaziz International Qur’anic Competition in Makkah, Saudi Arabia.
Dan’Azumi secured the first prize in the category, earning a cash award of 300,000 Saudi riyals, reported to be equivalent to about ₦120 million.
The competition, which is organised by Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Dawah and Guidance, attracted 334 male and female contestants representing 133 countries.
The Saudi Press Agency reported that the 2026 edition had total prize money of 10.26 million Saudi riyals and recognised 50 winners across the competition’s categories.
Dan’Azumi, who is from Gombe State, represented Nigeria in the category involving memorisation of the Qur’an with recitation and interpretation. She is a student of Abubakar Siddiq Community Islamic School for Qur’anic Memorisation in Gombe.
Her victory attracted congratulations from President Bola Tinubu, who commended the student for bringing honour to Nigeria through her performance at the international competition.
Tinubu described her achievement as a source of pride for Nigeria and encouraged young Nigerians to pursue excellence in their chosen fields.
The feat also drew praise from former Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Isa Ali Ibrahim Pantami, who congratulated Dan’Azumi, her parents and teachers on the achievement.
According to reports, Dan’Azumi was among the Nigerian participants who performed strongly at the competition. Another Nigerian contestant, Muhammad Marafa Abdullah, placed fifth in the men’s second category and received a prize of 220,000 Saudi riyals.
The 46th edition of the competition was held in Makkah from August 6 to August 19, 2026. It marked a significant milestone in the event’s history, with female contestants officially participating in the competition for the first time.
Dan’Azumi’s success has been widely celebrated in Gombe State, with Governor Muhammadu Yahaya describing her achievement as a landmark accomplishment for the state and Nigeria.
The governor said the young student’s performance demonstrated the value of discipline, dedication and commitment to learning, while expressing his intention to honour her upon her return to Nigeria.
The international recognition has also highlighted the role of Qur’anic education and young Nigerian talent on the global stage, with officials and members of the public celebrating Dan’Azumi’s achievement as a source of national pride.
