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 amounting to N178m.
Governor Ahmed Aliyu announced the package on Tuesday during the school’s second graduation ceremony at Giginya Memorial Stadium, describing the accomplishment as “rare, inspiring and worthy of celebration.”
He said, “Today, we are not just celebrating graduation; we are celebrating dedication, discipline and unwavering commitment to the words of Allah.
“Memorising the entire Holy Qur’an is a rare privilege, and you have made Sokoto proud.”
Each of the 259 graduates was presented with a motorcycle to improve mobility and encourage self-reliance as they move across communities to teach and guide others in Qur’anic knowledge.
“This gesture is to make you self-reliant and to ease your movement as you go into different communities to teach and guide others.
“We will continue to invest in both Islamic and Western education because education remains the bedrock of societal development,” Aliyu added.
In addition to the motorcycles, the governor approved N500,000 for each of the institution’s 53 teachers and announced a N10m grant for the school’s maintenance. He also directed that the teachers be placed on the state payroll starting in 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.
Aliyu commended the founder of the school, Aliyu Wamakko, describing him as “a visionary leader whose investment in Qur’anic education will continue to yield rewards for generations.”
In his remarks, Wamakko expressed satisfaction with the school’s steady growth.
“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 memorisers at once. To Allah be the glory,” he said.
He further disclosed an additional N168m donation from friends and associates to expand infrastructure and learning facilities, noting that the guest of honour, Abdulaziz Yari, contributed N30m.
“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, adding that expansion projects are ongoing to accommodate rising enrolment.
Commissioner for Religious Affairs, Prof Jabir Sani Maihulla, urged the graduates to reflect the teachings of the Qur’an in their character and conduct.
“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, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar, the Waziri of Sokoto, Prof Sambo Wali Junaidu, delivered goodwill and prayers.
“The Sultan is proud of you. He urges you to be ambassadors of peace and unity wherever you find yourselves,” he said.
Sokoto, regarded as the seat of Islam in Nigeria following the 19th-century jihad led by Usman dan Fodio, has long sustained a strong tradition of Qur’anic education and Islamic scholarship.
Placing the 53 teachers on the state payroll reflects efforts to formalise and strengthen Islamic institutions while promoting access to both religious and Western education.
Graduation of 259 Huffaz at a single ceremony ranks among the largest in the state’s recent history, highlighting growing enrolment and the expanding capacity of Tahfeez schools in Sokoto.
