BY MUSA IDRIS UMAR, AUGUST 28, 2025 | 08:46 PM

The Federal Government of Nigeria has on Thursday celebrated Nigerian teenager Nafisah Abdullahi, who outshone over 20,000 participants from 69 countries to win the prestigious TeenEagle global finals competition.

At a special recognition ceremony in Abuja on Thursday, Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, and Minister of State for Education, Professor Suiwaba Ahmad, honored Nafisa for her remarkable achievement.

Representing Nigeria through the Nigerian Tulip International College (NTIC), she clinched the world title in a contest that tests English proficiency, critical thinking, and communication skills, even surpassing competitors from native English-speaking nations.

Describing her as 'a beacon of excellence and inspiration to Nigerian youths,' the ministers awarded Nafisa a cash gift of N200,000 on behalf of the Federal Government.

An additional gift of over N100,000 was also announced for her and her colleagues who excelled in the competition.

This national recognition follows a separate honor from the Atiku Foundation, which recently awarded fully-funded scholarships to Nafisa and her victorious teammates, Rukaiya Fema and Khadija Kalli, for their outstanding performance.

Dr. Alausa used the occasion to highlight the government's commitment to education under President Bola Tinubu, noting that Nafisa's success reinforces the value of investing in the nation's youth.

'You are the future of Nigeria, and you have made us proud,' the minister said.

'Your success gives us the confidence to ask for more, and we will continue to do so on your behalf.'

In her response, a grateful Nafisa thanked President Tinubu and the ministers for creating an environment for her to excel, while also appreciating the crucial support from her parents and her school.

Professor Ahmad praised Nafisa's resilience and determination, urging her to view this incredible achievement as the beginning of an even greater journey.

'Nafisa has demonstrated that Nigeria is blessed and can stand shoulder-to-shoulder with the best in the world,' she affirmed.

'You are a shining example.'