The Federal Government has honoured 17-year-old Nafisa Abdullahi from Yobe State for emerging as the overall winner of the TeenEagle global finals in London, where she was named World Best in English.
During a ceremony in Abuja on Thursday, Minister of Education Dr. Tunji Alausa and Minister of State for Education Professor Suiwaba Ahmad awarded Nafisa N200,000 in recognition of her outstanding accomplishment.
Nafisa, who represented Nigeria through the Nigerian Tulip International College (NTIC), triumphed over more than 20,000 students drawn from 69 countries, including native English-speaking nations. The annual TeenEagle contest evaluates participants in English language, critical thinking, and communication skills.
Prior to the government’s recognition, the Atiku Foundation had also rewarded Nafisa and her teammates, Rukaiya Fema and Khadija Kalli, with fully-funded scholarships for what it described as their “remarkable success” at the international event.
Speaking at the event, Alausa stressed that the government is determined to strengthen Nigeria’s education system and reduce the number of out-of-school children. He emphasized that President Bola Tinubu has placed education at the center of his administration’s agenda.
“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,” he said.
The minister further announced an additional cash gift of over N100,000 to Nafisa and other Nigerian students who have distinguished themselves in various academic fields.
Professor Ahmad, in her remarks, described Nafisa’s success as proof of the capabilities of Nigerian youths. She said, “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 encouraged the teenager to see the victory as the beginning of greater achievements, while also acknowledging the contributions of Nafisa’s parents and teachers.
In her response, Nafisa expressed gratitude to President Tinubu, the education ministers, NTIC, and her family for their unwavering support.
Yobe State’s Commissioner for Basic Education, Professor Abba Idris, conveyed his appreciation and emphasized that the state government remains committed to recognizing and celebrating educational excellence.
