After Pantami’s Call for Rewards, President Tinubu congratulates Nigerian teens for Winning Global English Competition
A day after former Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Professor Isa Ali Ibrahim Pantami, urged the Federal Government to grant presidential rewards to a Nigerian teenager who topped a global English competition, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has congratulated the champions.
In a statement by his spokesperson, Mr. Bayo Onanuga, the President commended Nafisa Abdullahi Aminu, Rukayya Muhammad Fema, and Hadiza Kashim Kalli for emerging world champions in English language communication skills and debate at the 2025 TeenEagle Global Competition held in London, United Kingdom.
According to the statement, 17-year-old Nafisa was named overall best in English language skills, 15-year-old Rukayya emerged overall best in debate, while Hadiza won the Outstanding Talent Award (Gold Medal).
President Tinubu hailed the young Nigerians for their “exceptional achievements,” affirming that their success was a clear testament to the boundless potential of the nation’s youth and the brighter future that lies ahead.
“These accomplishments underscore the quality and promise of Nigeria’s education system as a nurturer of some of the world’s brightest minds,” the President said. He noted that education remains a critical pillar for national development, reiterating his administration’s commitment to investing in the sector and removing financial barriers for indigent students through the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND).
The President encouraged the trio to remain steadfast in their academic pursuits and wished them continued success.
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PRNigeria earlier reported 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 victory has drawn nationwide praise as a shining example of what Nigerian students can achieve when given the right opportunities and support.
Professor Pantami, who is Majidadin Daular Usmaniyya and Co-Chairman of the African Union’s 4th Industrial Revolution Policy Council, in a separate statement, called on President Tinubu to honour Nafisa with rewards similar to those recently granted to Nigeria’s victorious women’s football and basketball teams.
In recent weeks, the Federal Government rewarded the Super Falcons — 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 a 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.”
Pantami described Nafisa’s triumph as the product of natural talent, dedication, discipline, and the unwavering support of her parents and schools. He stressed the importance of government recognition for 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.”
He concluded by urging that academic excellence be celebrated and rewarded at the same level as sporting achievements, noting that education remains the foundation of national progress.
By PRNigeria
