The Federal Government has rewarded Nafisah Abdullahi, the winner of the TeenEagle Global Finals competition, with a cash gift of N200,000.
The award was presented on Thursday in Abuja by the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, during a special ceremony honouring the teenager’s remarkable achievement.
Nafisah, from Yobe State, emerged as the world’s best in English language skills after outperforming over 20,000 students from 69 countries at the 2025 TeenEagle Global Finals held in London, United Kingdom.
Two other teenagers, Rukaiya Fema and Khadija Kalli, also claimed top spots in different categories. The three students represented Nigeria through the Nigerian Tulip International College (NTIC), Yobe State.
The TeenEagle Global Finals is regarded as one of the world’s toughest academic contests, testing students in areas including English proficiency, logic, leadership, and creativity.
At the Abuja ceremony, Alausa, alongside the Minister of State for Education, Professor Suiwaba Ahmad, celebrated Nafisah’s extraordinary feat and praised the other Nigerian students who excelled at the competition.
Speaking at the event, Alausa noted that the Federal Government was strengthening foundational education to reduce the number of out-of-school children nationwide.
He emphasized that President Bola Tinubu has shown a strong commitment to human capital development through increased investment in education, healthcare, and social protection.
“You are the future of Nigeria, and you have made us proud. For the first time in the history of our nation, we have one of the highest budgetary allocations to education.
Each time we approach the President for support in the sector, his response has been a resounding ‘yes’ because he believes in you, the children of Nigeria.
Your success gives us the confidence to ask for more, and we will continue to do so on your behalf,” the minister said.
Alausa further announced an additional gift of over N100,000 to Nafisa and her fellow champions in recognition of their success.
On her part, Professor Ahmad commended Nafisa’s resilience, intellect, and determination, pledging the government’s continued support for young Nigerians excelling on the global stage.
“Nigerian youths can compete and excel globally. Nafisa has demonstrated that Nigeria is blessed and can stand shoulder-to-shoulder with the best in the world. You are a shining example,” she said.
She urged Nafisa to view the achievement as the beginning of a greater journey, while applauding her parents and teachers for providing a solid foundation.
In her response, Nafisa expressed gratitude to President Tinubu, the ministers, her school (NTIC), and her parents for their support in helping her succeed.
Similarly, the Yobe State Commissioner for Basic Education, Prof. Abba Idris, thanked the minister for his gesture and highlighted the state government’s commitment to celebrating educational milestones.
This recognition comes just weeks after the Atiku Abubakar Foundation (AAF) awarded full scholarships to Nafisah, Rukaiya, and Khadija for their outstanding performances at the competition.
The President’s gift is a snub. If it were students from any of the South West states the gift could have been much more spectacular. But thi particular gift is just a snub, like saying “Yes, they won a global English language contest – – – so what???” just because of their state of origin. What a pity!!!