Borno State Governor, Prof. Babagana Umara Zulum, has rewarded 30 students who successfully memorised the Holy Qur’an with ₦1 million each, while also providing financial support to eight teachers who trained them at the Indimi Trust Islamic Centre in Maiduguri.
The gesture was announced during the graduation ceremony of the Qur’anic memorisation students held at the Indimi Mosque along the Old Damboa Road in Maiduguri, where the graduates were formally presented with certificates.
Governor Zulum directed the release of ₦30 million to the 30 graduating students, with each recipient receiving ₦1 million. He also approved ₦16 million for the eight teachers, who were given ₦2 million each in recognition of their efforts in teaching and guiding the students.
The graduates completed their Qur’anic memorisation programme under the sponsorship of the Indimi Islamic Trust, established by prominent Borno businessman and philanthropist, Alhaji Muhammadu Indimi.
Zulum Commends Indimi’s Investment in Education
Speaking at the ceremony, Governor Zulum praised Muhammadu Indimi for his sustained commitment to education, Islamic scholarship and human capital development, particularly in the North-East.
The Governor described the investment in Qur’anic education as an important contribution to the development of responsible and morally grounded members of society.
Indimi, founder and chairman of Oriental Energy Resources, has over the years supported educational initiatives in Borno State and other parts of Nigeria through various philanthropic interventions.
His contributions have included support for institutions and educational programmes, as well as a recent ₦2 billion donation to the University of Maiduguri education endowment fund.
Zulum noted that such interventions by individuals and organisations complement government efforts to expand access to education and develop human capacity.
Governor Urges Islamic Scholars to Promote Peace and Unity
Beyond the financial support announced at the ceremony, Governor Zulum used the occasion to call on Islamic scholars to exercise moderation and responsibility in their religious preaching.
He urged Ulamas to adopt a measured approach when addressing sensitive social and religious issues, stressing that religious teachings should contribute to peace, unity and responsible citizenship.
According to the Governor, Islamic scholars have an important role to play in shaping the values and attitudes of young people and strengthening peaceful coexistence within communities.
He therefore encouraged scholars to emphasise messages that unite people rather than those capable of creating division or tension.
Zulum Reaffirms Commitment to Education
The Governor also reiterated his administration’s commitment to strengthening both formal and non-formal education across Borno State.
He emphasised the importance of creating an educational system in which Islamic learning and conventional education can complement each other.
According to him, combining moral and religious instruction with modern education can help produce young people equipped with academic knowledge, discipline and a strong sense of social responsibility.
The Governor’s position reflects the broader importance of education in rebuilding communities affected by years of insecurity and strengthening opportunities for younger generations across the state.
Shehu of Borno, Other Dignitaries Attend Ceremony
The graduation ceremony attracted prominent traditional, political, religious and community leaders from Borno State.
Among those present were the Shehu of Borno, Alhaji Abubakar Ibn Umar Garbai El-Kanemi; Senator Mohammed Tahir Monguno; the Waziri of Borno, Mutawalli Shettima Bukar; and the Chief Imam of Borno, Imam Zannah Laisu Ibrahim.
Several Islamic scholars, senior government officials, members of the business community and other invited guests also attended the event.
The ceremony provided an opportunity to celebrate the academic and religious achievement of the graduates while recognising the teachers and institutions responsible for their training.
For the 30 students, the completion of the Qur’anic memorisation programme represents a significant personal and educational milestone. For their teachers, the financial support from the Governor provides recognition of the role they play in preserving Islamic scholarship and transmitting religious knowledge to younger generations.
The event also highlighted the potential impact of partnerships between government, philanthropists and religious institutions in expanding educational opportunities and supporting human capital development in Borno State.
