The Sokoto State Government has rewarded 259 students who memorised the entire Holy Qur’an at Madarasatul Tahfeez Wal Dirasatul Qur’aniyyah, Hubbaren Shehu, with motorcycles and financial support totaling ₦178 million.
Governor Ahmed Aliyu announced the package on Tuesday at the school’s second graduation ceremony held at the Giginya Memorial Stadium, describing the achievement as “rare, inspiring and worthy of celebration.”
“Today, we are not just celebrating graduation; we are celebrating dedication, discipline and unwavering commitment to the words of Allah,” the governor said.
“Memorising the entire Holy Qur’an is a rare privilege, and you have made Sokoto proud.”
Each of the 259 graduates received a motorcycle to enhance mobility and promote self-reliance as they propagate Qur’anic teachings.
“This gesture is to make you self-reliant and to ease your movement as you go into different communities to teach and guide others,” Aliyu added.
“We will continue to invest in both Islamic and Western education because education remains the bedrock of societal development.”
Beyond the motorcycles, the governor approved ₦500,000 for each of the institution’s 53 teachers and announced a ₦10 million grant for the school’s upkeep. He also directed their immediate inclusion on the state payroll effective April.
“Our teachers deserve dignity and stability. By placing them on the state payroll, we are strengthening the foundation of this noble institution,” he said.
Governor Aliyu commended the founder of the school, Aliyu Magatakarda Wamakko, describing him as “a visionary leader whose investment in Qur’anic education will continue to yield rewards for generations.”
In his remarks, Senator Wamakko expressed delight at the growth of the school.
“This institution started with just one teacher and a few students in a modest setting.
Today, it stands as a centre of excellence producing 259 memorizers at once. To Allah be the glory,” he said.
He announced an additional ₦168 million donation from friends and associates to expand infrastructure and learning facilities, revealing that the guest of honour, Abdulaziz Yari Abubakar, contributed ₦30 million.
“These contributions will be used to improve classrooms, accommodation and learning materials so that the school will continue to thrive,” Wamakko stated.
The school proprietor, Mal Bello Na Malam Boyi, described the ceremony as historic.
“We began with only 10 students and one teacher at a temporary site. Today, we are graduating 259 Huffaz.
“This is a milestone not only for the school but for Sokoto State,” he said, noting that expansion projects are ongoing to accommodate growing enrolment.
Commissioner for Religious Affairs, Prof. Jabir Sani Maihulla, urged the graduates to live by the teachings of the Qur’an.
“The Qur’an you have memorised must reflect in your character and conduct. Let your lives preach the message of patience, humility and moral uprightness,” he advised.
Representing the Sultan, the Waziri of Sokoto, Prof. Sambo Wali Junaidu, conveyed goodwill and prayers to the graduates.
“The Sultan is proud of you. He urges you to be ambassadors of peace and unity wherever you find yourselves,” he said.
The ceremony attracted religious leaders, government officials and hundreds of well-wishers, marking one of the largest Qur’anic graduation ceremonies in Sokoto in recent years.
Follow the MoneyCentral Nigeria channel on WhatsApp: Click here!
