An 82-year-old woman, Rakiya, has returned to a Qur’anic school in Katsina State to deepen her knowledge of Islam, demonstrating that the pursuit of learning can continue regardless of age or life circumstances.
Rakiya, who attends an almajiri school in Katsina, said her decision to return to school was inspired partly by watching young children learn the Qur’an.
According to her, seeing the children studying made her reflect on her own level of religious knowledge and motivated her to begin learning from the basics.
She explained that she has always loved studying and that learning the Qur’an gives her a deep sense of joy and fulfilment.
Despite being 82 years old and facing difficulties in life, Rakiya said she has remained committed to her studies and has refused to allow her circumstances or age to discourage her.
She started her journey by learning the fundamentals of Islam and gradually progressed in her Qur’anic studies.
Through determination and consistent learning, the elderly woman has now developed the ability to read the Holy Qur’an fluently.
Rakiya said the achievement has brought her considerable happiness because she now feels that she has acquired meaningful knowledge about her religion.
She also emphasised the importance of lifelong learning, saying that as long as a person is alive, they should never stop seeking knowledge.
For Rakiya, returning to school at 82 is not about competing with younger students but about fulfilling a personal desire to understand and practise her faith better.
Her story highlights the value of adult and elderly education, particularly in communities where some people may have missed opportunities to acquire religious or formal education when they were younger.
Rakiya’s determination also serves as a reminder that age should not be regarded as a barrier to learning.
At a time when many people may consider education a pursuit primarily for children and young adults, her experience demonstrates that the desire for knowledge can remain strong throughout a person’s life.
For the 82-year-old Katsina woman, every new Qur’anic verse she learns represents another step towards the religious knowledge she has long desired.
Her journey is ultimately a story of determination, faith and lifelong learning — showing that it is never too late to begin.
