The Federal Government has rewarded 17-year-old Nafisa Abdullahi from Yobe State with a cash prize of N200,000 following her historic victory at the 2025 TeenEagle Global Finals in London, where she was named the World Best in English.
Nafisa, a student of the Nigerian Tulip International College, beat over 20,000 participants from 69 countries, including native English speakers, to clinch the prestigious global title.
Her triumph, which has placed Nigeria on the world map for academic excellence, has continued to attract accolades. Earlier, the Atiku Foundation had offered Nafisa and two other Nigerian champions, Rukaiya Fema and Khadija Kalli, fully-funded scholarships in recognition of what it described as their “remarkable success.”
At a recognition ceremony in Abuja on Thursday, the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, and the Minister of State, Professor Suiwaba Ahmad, lauded Nafisa’s resilience and intellect, describing her as “a beacon of excellence and inspiration to Nigerian youths.”
Dr. Alausa noted that President Bola Tinubu has shown unprecedented commitment to human capital development, with education receiving one of the highest allocations in the nation’s history.
“You are the future of Nigeria, and you have made us proud. Your success gives us the confidence to demand more support for education from the President, who has never said no when it comes to investing in our children,” Alausa said.
He further announced additional monetary gifts exceeding N100,000 for Nafisa’s colleagues who also excelled in various categories of the competition.
On her part, Professor Ahmad praised Nafisa for proving that Nigerian youths can compete globally.
“Her victory is proof that Nigeria is blessed. She is a shining example, and we will continue to support talents who bring honour to our nation,” she said.
The Yobe State Commissioner for Basic Education, Prof. Abba Idris, also expressed gratitude to the Federal Government, saying the achievement was a pointer to the strides being recorded in the state’s education sector.
In her response, an emotional Nafisa thanked President Tinubu, her school, teachers, and parents for the support that enabled her to excel, promising to remain a worthy ambassador of the country.
