"Sheikh Dahiru Foundation Hosts 2nd Qur’anic Recitation Competition"

By Khalid Idris Doya

The Sheikh Dahiru Usman Bauchi Foundation has organized the second edition of its Annual Qur’anic Recitation Competition (Musabaqa) to promote the reading of the Holy Qur’an and enhance Islamic education across Nigeria. The competition aims to encourage students to commit themselves to Qur’anic recitation and improve their proficiency.

Gwani Abdullahi Ismail, Secretary of the Foundation's Directorate of Education, said the competition includes aspects of Fiqh, Tauhid, and Seerah to strengthen students' understanding and love for the Qur’an and Islamic knowledge. Over 300 schools under the Sheikh Dahiru Foundation participated in this year’s competition, representing six states: Bauchi, Gombe, Kano, Kaduna, Katsina, and Niger.

According to Ismail, winners from this competition will be selected to represent the Foundation at both national and international Qur’anic recitation competitions, including in countries like Morocco and Algeria. The Foundation plans to expand the competition to include six more states next year. Prizes will be awarded to overall winners, while other participants will receive recognition for their efforts.

Dr. Mujtaba Abdulkadir, Dean of the School of General Studies at the College of Education, Legal and General Studies, Misau, called for the establishment of a Centre for Qur’anic Studies dedicated to training teachers and students to become experts in Qur’anic and related studies. He noted that many students attend Qur’anic schools but often lack adequate support, and urged the government to ensure that Al-Majiri students benefit from the same resources given to formal schools.

Sayyid Ahmad Tijjani, representing Sheikh Dahiru Usman Bauchi at the event, reaffirmed Sheikh Dahiru’s lifelong dedication to the service of the Qur'an. He highlighted the Foundation’s broader goals, including the propagation of both Islamic and Western education, establishment of model Qur’anic schools, construction of mosques and Islamic centers, and the organisation of religious preaching. Tijjani also noted that the Foundation is committed to societal re-orientation, human rehabilitation through authentic Islamic knowledge, and providing humanitarian services to the less privileged.