Nigeria’s Federal Government has applauded the exceptional achievement of Nafisah Abdullahi, the country’s shining star at the TeenEagle Global Finals, rewarding her with a cash prize of N200,000 during a recognition ceremony in Abuja on Thursday.
This recognition comes shortly after the Atiku Foundation awarded Nafisah, alongside fellow champions Rukaiya Fema and Khadija Kalli, fully funded scholarships in appreciation of their outstanding performance at the international contest.
The three girls, who emerged winners across various categories, were celebrated for their exceptional brilliance, with the Foundation describing their triumph as a “remarkable success.”
At a special ceremony held in Abuja, the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, and the Minister of State for Education, Professor Suiwaba Ahmad, commended Nafisah for bringing honour to Nigeria. They hailed her as “a beacon of excellence and inspiration to Nigerian youths.”
Representing Nigeria through the Nigerian Tulip International College, Nafisah outperformed more than 20,000 contestants from 69 countries, including native English-speaking nations, to emerge overall winner.
The TeenEagle competition is a globally recognised contest that tests students’ skills in English, critical thinking, and communication.
Speaking at the event, Dr. Alausa highlighted the government’s commitment to strengthening basic education and reducing the number of out-of-school children. He noted that President Bola Tinubu had prioritised education in the national budget, reflecting his belief in the potential of Nigerian children.
“You are the future of this nation, and your success gives us the confidence to continue investing in you,” he said, while announcing additional cash support of over N100,000 for Nafisah and other outstanding participants.
On her part, Professor Ahmad praised Nafisah’s resilience and brilliance, describing her as proof that Nigerian youths can compete with the best globally. She urged the teenager to see the achievement as the beginning of greater accomplishments.
In her response, Nafisah expressed gratitude to President Tinubu, the education ministers, her school, and her parents for their support.
Also speaking, Yobe State Commissioner for Basic Education, Professor Abba Idris, thanked the Federal Government for recognising the student’s achievement, noting that the state remains committed to promoting excellence in education.
