The Fajr Centre Qur’an Memorisation Boarding School has graduated 27 students after completing its two-year intensive programme in Qur’an memorisation and Basic Islamic Sciences.

The graduation ceremony, held at The Companion Islamic Centre, Ikorodu, Lagos, marked the second graduation of the centre since its scholarship programme began in 2022.

The graduates received certificates and testimonials for successfully completing the programme, while outstanding students were recognised with special awards.

Abdulazeez Ali Temitope emerged as the overall best graduating student.

Other award recipients were Abdulazeez Ayomide, Abdullahi Ololade Adetimileyin, Lawal Abubakar Adebola, Abdulsalam Lukman Adisa, Yunus Mariam, Muyideen Sekinah and Nusaybah Oluwatosin Abdulqodir.

Speaking at the ceremony, the centre’s management said the training was introduced in July 2022 with an all-expenses-paid scholarship sponsored by the owner of the school, Barr. Dhikirullah Hassan and his family.

The management said more than 100 students applied for the programme and went through four stages of selection before the successful candidates were admitted.

The first cohort completed its two-year programme in 2024, with 10 students graduating.

According to the management, the centre subsequently introduced a partial scholarship programme to make the opportunity available to more students, resulting in the increase from 10 graduates in 2024 to 27 graduates in 2026.

The management also announced plans to make the graduation an annual event rather than holding it every two years.

It said the new structure would allow students to complete the programme and proceed to secondary schools or higher institutions without having to wait for another graduation cycle.

The centre said the 2025 cohort, which is currently completing its first year, is expected to graduate in 2027, while the next cohort will resume in September 2026 and complete its programme in August 2028.

The management said the full cost of the programme is about N1.3 million per student annually, covering accommodation, tuition, learning materials and feeding.

It added that all students are enrolled under the Lagos State Health Insurance Scheme as part of the programme.

Under the partial scholarship arrangement, students pay about N700,000 annually, representing a 40 per cent reduction from the full cost. The fees can be paid in four instalments.

The centre said individuals and organisations could also sponsor students by covering their programme costs, adding that prospective beneficiaries must still meet its admission requirements.

According to the management, students nominated by sponsors must undergo the centre’s assessment and score at least 65 per cent before they can be admitted.

The ceremony attracted eminent personalities such as the Executive Director, the Muslim Public Affairs Centre (MPAC) Disu Kamor; the National President of the Muslim Lawyers Association of Nigeria (MULAN), Hassan Taiwo Fajimite, among other guests.