The Federal Government of Nigeria has awarded 17-year-old Nafisat Abdullahi from Yobe State, winner of the 2025 TeenEagle Global Finals competition, with a cash prize of N200,000.
The award was presented on Thursday, in Abuja, by the Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa, alongside the Minister of State for Education, Professor Suiwaba Ahmad.
Abdullahi, representing the Nigerian Tulip International College (NTIC), distinguished herself through exceptional mastery of the English language, critical thinking, and communication skills, surpassing more than 20,000 participants from 69 countries, including native English-speaking nations, to emerge as the overall winner.
The TeenEagle Global Finals is a prestigious academic competition that tests students’ proficiency in English, leadership, creativity, and analytical thinking.
Dr Alausa, describing Abdullahi as “a beacon of excellence and inspiration to Nigerian youths”, emphasised that the Federal Government is committed to strengthening foundational education and reducing the number of out-of-school children.
“President Bola Tinubu has demonstrated a strong commitment to human capital development through increased investment in education, health, and social protection. Your success gives us the confidence to ask for more, and we will continue to do so on your behalf,” Alausa added.
Professor Ahmad commended Abdullahi’s resilience, intellect, and determination, urging her to view the achievement as the beginning of a greater journey while praising the role of her parents and teachers in supporting her.
This recognition follows earlier rewards from the Atiku Abubakar Foundation, which granted fully funded scholarships to Abdullahi and her teammates, Rukaiya Fema and Khadija Kalli, for their outstanding performances in other categories of the TeenEagle competition.
The foundation described the girls’ achievements as “remarkable success” deserving of national celebration.
Abdullahi’s award also comes amid public discussion over the delayed government recognition of academic achievers, particularly when contrasted with substantial rewards given to Nigeria’s Super Falcons and D’Tigress basketball team for international sporting victories.
Each member of the victorious Super Falcons squad received $100,000 following their 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) win, while D’Tigress players were similarly rewarded for consecutive AfroBasket triumphs.
Nafisat Abdullahi thanked President Tinubu, the ministers, her school, and her parents for their support, highlighting that a conducive environment was key to her success.
Yobe State’s Commissioner for Basic Education, Professor Abba Idris, also applauded the Federal Government for the recognition and reiterated the state’s commitment to celebrating milestones in education.
