The Federal Government has honoured 17-year-old Nafisa Abdullahi from Yobe State with a ₦200,000 cash prize after she emerged World Best in English at the TeenEagle Global Finals held in London.
The award was presented on Thursday in Abuja by the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, who praised Nafisa for her exceptional brilliance, describing her as “a shining example of resilience, talent, and excellence.”
Nafisa, a student of Nigerian Tulip International College, stunned the world by outshining contestants from 69 countries, including native English-speaking nations. Her mastery of English, critical thinking, and articulation earned her the top global recognition.
She was celebrated alongside fellow champions Rukaiya Fema and Khadija Kalli, who had earlier received fully-funded scholarships from the Atiku Abubakar Foundation in recognition of their international achievements.
Dr. Alausa noted that Nafisa’s victory is proof of Nigeria’s renewed commitment to education under President Bola Tinubu’s administration:
“For the first time in history, Nigeria has one of the highest budgetary allocations to education. Each time we approach the President for support, his response is a resounding ‘yes’ because he believes in the children of Nigeria. Your success gives us confidence to ask for more on behalf of students nationwide.”
The Minister further announced that other outstanding Nigerian students who performed excellently in international competitions would also receive cash prizes above ₦100,000.
Also speaking, the Minister of State for Education, Professor Suiwaba Ahmad, applauded Nafisa’s determination, urging her to see the feat as “the beginning of greater opportunities.”
“Nigerian youths can compete and excel globally. Nafisa has shown that our nation is blessed and can stand shoulder-to-shoulder with the best in the world.”
On her part, Nafisa expressed gratitude to the Federal Government, the Atiku Abubakar Foundation, her school, and her parents for their unwavering support.
The Yobe State Commissioner for Basic Education, Professor Abba Idris, also lauded Nafisa, assuring that the state government would continue to prioritize education and celebrate outstanding students.
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