Pantami Urges Presidential Rewards for Nigerian Teen Nafisa Aminu Who Topped Global English Competition
A former Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Professor Isa Ali Ibrahim Pantami, has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to honour a 17-year-old Nigerian student, Nafisa Abdullah Aminu, for emerging as the world’s top performer in English Language skills at the 2025 TeenEagle Global Finals in London, United Kingdom.
PRNigeria reports that Nafisa, a student of Nigerian Tulip International College (NTIC) in Yobe State, outshone over 20,000 participants from 69 countries — including native English-speaking nations — to clinch the coveted title. Her achievement, which has drawn praise nationwide, is being hailed as a testament to the potential of Nigerian students when given the right opportunities and support.
Professor Pantami, who is also Majidadin Daular Usmaniyya and Co-Chairman of the African Union’s 4th Industrial Revolution Policy Council, said he learnt of Nafisa’s feat from credible reports and felt compelled to recommend state recognition similar to that given to Nigeria’s victorious female sports teams.
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In recent weeks, the Federal Government rewarded the Nigerian women’s football team, winners of the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, and the D’Tigress basketball team, five-time AfroBasket champions, with $100,000 each, three-bedroom flats, and national honours. The basketball team’s historic win also secured their place in the 2026 FIBA Women’s World Cup Pre-Qualifying Tournament.
Drawing a parallel, Pantami said: “If our female athletes can be so handsomely rewarded for bringing glory to Nigeria, then Nafisa — who has elevated our global image through academics — equally deserves $100,000, a three-bedroom flat, and a national honour. Her English teacher should also be appreciated, just as the coaches and technical teams of the sports squads were rewarded.”
He described Nafisa’s triumph as the product of natural talent, dedication, discipline, and the unwavering support of her parents and schools. Pantami stressed that the government must consistently encourage academic excellence to inspire future generations.
“Education is the passport to future development. Tomorrow belongs to those who prepare for it today through knowledge and skills,” he said. “Let us invite our daughter, who is also the daughter of all Nigerians, and her English teacher to the Presidency. What is good for the goose is good for the gander.”
Pantami concluded by reiterating that education remains the foundation of the nation’s progress and should be accorded the same level of celebration and reward as sports achievements.
By PRNigeria
