The Federal Government of Nigeria presented a cash gift of ₦200,000 to Nafisah Abdullahi, the Nigerian teenager who recently won the TeenEagle Global Finals competition.
This award comes after the Atiku Foundation had earlier announced that it would fully sponsor the education of Nafisah and her fellow champions, Rukaiya Fema and Khadija Kalli, in recognition of their excellent performance at the competition.
The three girls, who represented Nigeria, stood out among thousands of competitors and were praised for their Remarkable Success. At a special recognition ceremony held in Abuja, the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, together with the Minister of State for Education, Professor Suiwaba Ahmad, applauded Nafisah and other outstanding students. They described Nafisah as a symbol of excellence and inspiration for young Nigerians.
Nafisah, who is a student of the Nigerian Tulip International College (NTIC), competed against over 20,000 students from 69 different countries, including nations where English is the native language. Despite the tough competition, she came out as the global winner, bringing pride to Nigeria.
The TeenEagle competition is an international academic contest that tests students’ skills in English language, communication, and critical thinking. Winning this title is a huge achievement, as it places Nigerian students on the world map of academic excellence.
While speaking at the event, Minister Alausa explained that the government is working hard to strengthen the education system, especially at the basic level, to reduce the high number of children who are not in school. He emphasized that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is deeply committed to improving education, health, and social welfare, as seen in the large share of the national budget now being allocated to education.
“Young people like you are the future of this country,” Alausa told the students. Each time we present the case of education to the President, he supports us fully because he believes in your potential. Your success encourages us to ask for more resources on your behalf, and we will continue to do so.
The minister further announced additional cash rewards of over ₦100,000 for Nafisah and other students who excelled in different categories of the contest.
Professor Ahmad also praised Nafisah’s hard work, intelligence, and determination. She assured that the Federal Government would keep supporting young Nigerians who bring pride to the country.
She said, “Nigerian youths are capable of competing and excelling globally. Nafisah has shown that with determination, Nigeria can stand confidently among the best in the world. She is a shining example.” Ahmad encouraged Nafisah to see this victory not as the end but as the beginning of greater achievements. She also thanked the teenager’s parents and teachers for guiding her and laying the foundation for her success.
In her response, Nafisah expressed gratitude to President Tinubu, the ministers, her school (NTIC), and her parents for providing her with the support she needed to excel.
Also speaking at the event, the Yobe State Commissioner for Basic Education, Professor Abba Idris, thanked the federal government for recognizing Nafisah’s achievements. He noted that the Yobe State government has also been celebrating similar progress in the education sector.
