Following our recent report on Nafisa Abdullah Aminu’s stunning victory at the 2025 TeenEagle Global Finals in London, where the 17-year-old Yobe State student outshone 20,000 competitors from 69 countries to claim the top spot in English language skills, a wave of public support has erupted across Nigeria.
Social media platforms, particularly X, are buzzing with calls for the federal government to honor Nafisa with rewards matching those given to Nigeria’s sporting heroes, as initially proposed by Prof. Isa Ali Pantami.
Nigerians are celebrating Nafisa, a student at Nigerian Tulip International College (NTIC) in Yobe, for showcasing the nation’s academic potential on a global stage. Many have echoed Pantami’s suggestion that Nafisa deserves $100,000, a three-bedroom flat, and the Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON) title, akin to the rewards bestowed upon the Super Falcons and D’Tigress for their 2025 triumphs. “If our athletes are celebrated, why not our academic champions?” asked @NaijaPride23 on X, reflecting a sentiment shared widely online.
Public reactions highlight frustration that academic achievements often take a backseat to sports. “Nafisa’s win proves Nigerian students can compete globally. She deserves the same spotlight as our footballers,” tweeted @EduFirstNG. Others have praised Yobe State’s educational reforms under Governor Mai Mala Buni, crediting them for enabling Nafisa’s success, while urging the federal government to act swiftly. Calls to honor her English teacher have also gained traction, with many arguing that educators are the backbone of such victories.
The outcry shows a broader demand for Nigeria to prioritize education as a pillar of national pride. “Education builds our future. Nafisa’s story should inspire policy changes,” Pantami reiterated in a follow-up statement, urging President Bola Tinubu to invite Nafisa and her teacher to the presidency.