[OPINION] Brains Are Nigeria’s Real Gold Medal

By Temi Tope Sa’eed

She is only 17. No endorsements, no contracts, no salaries. Just her books, her courage, and her dream.

That was all Nafisah Abdullahi Aminu from Yobe State carried with her when she walked into the TeenEagle Global Finals in London. And with nothing but brilliance, she defeated over 20,000 students from 69 countries to become the world’s best in English.

It was a moment of pride for Nigeria. Proof that our classrooms can compete with the world’s best. Proof that a Nigerian child, given a chance, can rise above every barrier. And yet, what did Nigeria give her in return? ₦200,000. Just about enough to buy a laptop.

Now let us look at sports. When the Super Falcons and D’Tigress triumphed, they were rightly celebrated with three-bedroom houses, $100,000 each, and national honours. They worked hard and deserved their reward. But they are professionals already paid through salaries, bonuses, and endorsements.

Nafisah is still a student. She has no sponsorships, no monthly pay. Her only weapon was knowledge, and she used it to lift the green-white-green to the top of the world. But instead of being honoured like our athletes, she was handed a token.

What message are we sending to millions of children studying under lanterns, dreaming that education can change their lives? That their effort matters less than sport? That their books will never be valued as much as a ball?

Sports win us trophies, yes. But only education can win us the future. Doctors, engineers, teachers, scientists, these are the ones who will build the nation long after the applause in the stadium fades.

We must do better. Government, private organisations, and individuals must invest in children like Nafisa through scholarships, mentorship, and innovation funds. Because recognising brilliance is not charity; it is strategy for national survival.

Nafisah’s story is not just about one girl. It is about every Nigerian child who studies against the odds, daring to dream. Her victory reminds us that our true gold medal is not found in our legs or hands, but in our minds.

Brains are Nigeria’s real gold medal. And if we treasure them, our future will shine brighter than any trophy.