Global Qur'anic Recitation Champion Maryam Dan Azumi Emerges Overall Best Graduating Student at Gombe State University

From winning Qur'anic recitation competitions several times within Nigeria and beyond to becoming a Global Qur'anic Recitation Champion, Maryam Dan Azumi has continued to distinguish herself through exceptional dedication, talent and hard work.

She has now added another remarkable achievement to her name.

Maryam has emerged as the overall best graduating student in her class at Gombe State University, proving that her excellence goes far beyond the Qur'anic arena.

She was also honoured at the university's graduation ceremony in recognition of this outstanding achievement.

Most recently, Maryam Ibrahim Dan'Azumi made history in Makkah, Saudi Arabia, after emerging as the overall winner of the women's category at the 46th King Abdulaziz International Qur'anic Competition. Representing Nigeria, she competed in the highly demanding category covering memorisation of the entire Holy Qur'an, recitation, Tajweed and interpretation of all 60 Hizb with Tafsir.

She defeated contestants from 132 countries, earning a prize of 300,000 Saudi Riyals, equivalent to about N120 million. Her victory was particularly historic as the 2026 edition marked the first time female contestants participated in the 46-year history of the competition.

Her journey is truly remarkable, from repeatedly winning Qur'anic recitation competitions within and outside Nigeria, to representing the country on the international stage, and now graduating as the best student in her class at the university.