By Hussaini Ibrahim Sulaiman
The Kano State Government has awarded Hajj seats and over N2 million to the overall winners of the annual Qur’anic recitation competition in the state: Bhukari Sunusi Gezawa and Fatima Abubakar Tarauni.
At the closing ceremony of the competition, held at the School for Arabic Studies (SAS), Governor Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf reiterated his administration’s strong commitment to supporting Qur’anic studies in the state.
In his address, delivered by his deputy, Comrade Aminu Abdussalam Gwarzo, the governor expressed gratitude to the competition committee, emphasizing the vital role of Qur’anic recitation.
He noted that the Qur’an holds the key to resolving the nation’s challenges, including insecurity and hardship.
Governor Yusuf also highlighted the state government’s plans to partner with a renowned Islamic university in Sudan, alongside the Aminu Kano College of Islamic and Legal Studies (AKCILS), to offer degree programs in Qur’anic studies.
Meanwhile, Hon. Umar Haruna Doguwa, the state’s Commissioner for Education, disclosed that Governor Yusuf had settled a three-year backlog of payments to the National Board of Arabic and Islamic Studies (NBAIS), allowing many indigenous students to continue their studies.
Doguwa also warned of the activities of unscrupulous individuals who diverted and sold books and other educational materials donated to public schools, emphasizing that decisive action would be taken against anyone found guilty.
He further thanked the state government for promptly approving the renovation of the Qur’anic Recitation Competition Hall, which now serves as the venue for the event.
The Emir of Kano, Alhaji Muhammadu Sanusi II, acknowledged the significant contributions of the state government and appealed to Governor Yusuf to allocate a special budget for the Qur’anic recitation competition.
Congratulating the winners, the Emir also urged parents and guardians to encourage their children to participate in the competition.
