Reported by Musa Antiketu,| Journalist at Obaland magazine.
A young Nigerian Qur’anic scholar from Gombe State, Maryam Ibrahim Dan’azumi, has emerged as a major figure on the international religious-education stage after winning first place in the women’s category of the 46th King Abdulaziz International Competition for Memorising, Reciting and Interpreting the Holy Qur’an in Makkah, Saudi Arabia.
Her achievement has attracted widespread attention in Nigeria, particularly because the 2026 edition marked the first time female contestants participated in the 46-year history of the prestigious competition. Saudi Arabia’s official news agency, SPA, confirmed that the competition brought together 334 contestants from 133 countries and featured a record prize pool of SAR10.26 million.
Here are 11 key facts about Maryam Dan’azumi and her historic achievement.
1. She is from Gombe State, Nigeria
Maryam Ibrahim Dan’azumi hails from Gombe State in northeastern Nigeria, where her accomplishment has been celebrated as a source of pride for the state and the country.
Reports published by Daily Trust and other Nigerian outlets identified her as the Nigerian contestant who emerged overall winner in her category at the international Qur’anic competition in Saudi Arabia.
2. Maryam represented Nigeria in Makkah
Maryam participated in the competition as a representative of Nigeria, taking her Qur’anic knowledge and recitation skills from the national level to an international platform in Makkah.
Her victory placed Nigeria among the countries whose contestants distinguished themselves at one of the world’s major Qur’anic competitions.
3. She competed in the 60 Hizb with Tafsir category
Maryam’s winning category involved 60 Hizb with Tafsir, requiring contestants to demonstrate extensive Qur’anic memorisation alongside recitation, Tajweed and interpretation.
Reports on her victory describe her as emerging first in the women’s category covering memorisation, recitation, Tajweed and Tafsir.
4. She received 300,000 Saudi Riyals
One of the most widely reported aspects of Maryam’s victory is the financial prize attached to it.
She was awarded 300,000 Saudi Riyals, which Nigerian reports have valued at approximately ₦120 million, although the naira equivalent naturally depends on the prevailing exchange rate.
The prize figure was also highlighted in a congratulatory statement issued on behalf of Professor Isa Ali Ibrahim Pantami.
5. Her victory was historic for women
Maryam’s achievement carries significance beyond the prize money.
The 46th edition of the King Abdulaziz competition introduced a women’s section for the first time. Saudi Arabia’s official news agency confirmed that female contestants participated in independent competitions during the 2026 edition.
This means Maryam became one of the first women to compete in the newly introduced female section and distinguished herself by taking the top position in her category.
6. The competition attracted 334 contestants from 133 countries
The scale of the event underlines the significance of her victory.
According to the Saudi Press Agency, the 46th edition attracted 334 male and female contestants representing 133 countries, making it the largest turnout in the competition’s history.
Maryam therefore competed on a genuinely international platform involving participants from across the Muslim world and beyond.
7. The competition was held in Makkah
The competition took place in Makkah, with the final stages held in and around the Grand Mosque.
The male and female competitions were organised separately, with the women’s contests taking place at the Makkah Hilton Hotel and Convention venue, according to Saudi authorities.
8. The competition is organised by Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Islamic Affairs
The King Abdulaziz International Competition is organised by Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Dawah and Guidance.
The ministry says the competition is designed to encourage memorisation, understanding, recitation and reflection upon the Qur’an while promoting healthy competition among Qur’an memorizers internationally.
9. The 2026 edition had the competition’s largest prize pool
The 46th edition offered a total prize pool of SAR10.26 million, the largest in the competition’s history, according to Saudi official sources.
The ministry also expanded the number of winners over recent years, with SPA reporting that the number increased from 12 to 50.
10. Maryam’s achievement followed a strong Qur’anic education background
Reports indicate that Maryam is a student of Abubakar Siddiq Community Islamic School for Qur’anic Memorisation in Herwagana Quarters, Gombe.
According to reporting on the achievement, she progressed through local and state competitions before reaching the national stage and ultimately representing Nigeria internationally.
Her journey illustrates the role of structured Qur’anic education, teachers, family support and competitive platforms in developing young talent.
11. Her family has another notable international Qur’anic champion
Maryam’s achievement is also notable because her sister, Hajara Ibrahim Dan’azumi, previously represented Nigeria with distinction at an international Qur’anic competition.
In 2024, Hajara won the women’s Hashemite International Qur’anic Competition in Jordan after competing against participants from several countries. Contemporary reports described her as a Gombe State student who emerged overall winner of the competition.
The success of the Dan’azumi sisters therefore adds another dimension to Maryam’s story, highlighting the potential impact of family, community and religious education in nurturing young Nigerian talent.
A Nigerian achievement with wider significance
Maryam Ibrahim Dan’azumi’s success is more than a story about a ₦120 million prize. It is a story about discipline, education, international representation and the growing participation of Nigerian women in global intellectual and religious competitions.
Her victory also comes at a time when the Saudi-hosted competition is expanding its international reach. The 2026 edition introduced female participation, attracted a record 334 contestants from 133 countries and increased its total prize fund to more than SAR10 million.
For Nigeria, the achievement offers another example of young people from the country’s northern states competing successfully on an international stage. It also underscores the importance of supporting educational institutions and teachers responsible for developing specialised talents.
Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya has congratulated Maryam, her family and teachers and said her achievement should encourage young people, particularly girls, to pursue excellence. Reports also indicate that the governor plans to receive and honour her upon her return.
For Obaland magazine, Maryam’s story is best understood not simply through the size of the monetary award, but through the dedication behind it and the wider significance of a Nigerian girl becoming a champion at a competition that, in 2026, opened its doors to female contestants for the first time.
Sources
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