Nigerians Celebrates Nafisa Abdullah, Winner of Global English Skills Competition

Widespread celebrations have followed the remarkable achievement of 17-year-old Nafisa Abdullah Aminu, a student from Yobe State, who emerged the overall best in English Language Skills at the 2025 TeenEagle Global Finals in London.

Representing Nigerian Tulip International College (NTIC), Nafisa beat more than 20,000 participants from 69 countries, including several from native English-speaking nations. Her victory has sparked a national conversation about Nigeria’s education system, talent development, and the recognition of academic excellence.

In a congratulatory message, Yobe State

Governor, Mai Mala Buni, praised Nafisa and fellow participant Ruqayya Fema, who also earned top honours at the competition. The governor noted that both students are beneficiaries of the state’s scholarship scheme, which supports nearly 900 students at NTIC. He further announced plans for a grand reception to honour the girls.

"These are great feats that make us proud and justify the government’s investment in education," Buni said.

The Governor's spokesperson, Mamman Mohammed, described the achievement as a "great honour" to both the state and the nation.

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar described Nafisa’s win as a "powerful testament to the limitless potential of the Nigerian girl-child." He called for increased investment in education and the removal of systemic barriers that hinder young girls from thriving.

Also reacting, former Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Isa Ali Pantami, urged the Federal Government to honour Nafisa in the same way national sports champions are celebrated.

"She deserves $100,000, a three-bedroom apartment, and national honours like the OON," Pantami said. "Her English teacher should also be rewarded just as coaches are celebrated in sports."

Nafisa’s global win has become a symbol of what’s possible when students receive the right support. Her story is being seen as a rallying cry for deeper reforms in Nigeria’s education system and a reminder that academic excellence, especially among girls, deserves national celebration.

As calls grow louder for official recognition, many Nigerians are watching closely to see if the Federal Government will heed the appeal to honour Nafisa Abdullah Aminu with the dignity and reward her achievement commands.