Seun Adeuyi
Nigerians have criticised the Federal Government for rewarding the winner of the 2025 TeenEagle Global Finals Competition, Nafisa Abdullahi Aminu, with just N200,000.
Seventeen-year-old Nafisa, alongside 15-year-old Rukayya Muhammad Fema and Hadiza Kashim Kalli, represented Nigeria at the international competition and ranked among the best in different categories, defeating over 20,000 participants from 69 countries.
Nafisa was named the Overall Best in English Language skills, while Rukayya won the Overall Best in Debate. Hadiza, on the other hand, received the Outstanding Talent Award (Gold Medal).
All three girls, from Yobe State, are students of the Nigerian Tulip International College (NTIC), Yobe campus.
The final stage of the TeenEagle competition was held between July 27 and August 3 at the University of Surrey, United Kingdom.
More than 900 students from 46 countries took part, with the three girls standing out as shining stars, bringing pride to their school, their state, and the entire nation.
The global competition is widely recognised for assessing students’ proficiency in the English language, critical thinking, and communication skills.
The principal of NTIC Yobe State, Mr. Haseebullah Jogi, who accompanied the girls to London, explained that the competition began with an online round before advancing to the prestigious global stage.
He noted that eight students represented Nigeria—five from NTIC Abuja and three from NTIC Yobe.
Daily Trust recalls that just weeks ago, the federal government rewarded victorious Super Falcons and D’Tigress players with $100,000 each, a three-bedroom flat, and a national honour of the Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON).
In the wake of the teenagers’ success, many Nigerians called for similar recognition and rewards.
Leading the call was former Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Prof. Isa Ali Pantami, who argued that Nafisa deserved the same recognition and benefits that were given to the sports stars.
The Atiku Foundation had awarded the teenagers fully-funded scholarships in recognition of their outstanding performance.
At a special recognition ceremony in Abuja on Thursday, the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, announced a cash reward of N200,000 for Nafisa, while Rukayya and Hadiza received N100,000 each.
The minister described the girls as “a beacon of excellence and inspiration to Nigerian youths.”
He also praised Yobe State Governor, Mai Mala Buni, for his strides in education, noting that the government will continue to celebrate outstanding students across all 36 states and the FCT.
“We will continue to celebrate students from across the federation, including the FCT. These students have made us proud.
“I also want to acknowledge His Excellency, Governor Mai Mala Buni, whose commitment to education made this possible. This should serve as an example for all governors, as well as the Minister of the FCT,” he said.
The Yobe State Commissioner of Basic Education, Prof. Abba Idris, also lauded the students, describing their victory as “a triumph of resilience and commitment to education.”
Speaking on behalf of Governor Buni, he expressed gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Minister of Education for hosting the girls and recognizing Yobe’s investment in education.
“Your interest in the progress of education in Yobe State is encouraging. A few years back, our story was different and tragic—schools were destroyed, students and teachers killed, and education became unattractive. Today, we are celebrating victory,” Prof. Idris said.
Responding, Nafisa dedicated the recognition to Governor Buni for “his sincere and honest support to the educational development of Yobe.”
Nigerians react
Since the announcement, the federal government has come under fire from Nigerians who described the gesture as “insulting.”
On Facebook, Jatto Idris Shuaib wrote: “If she had appeared unclad or caused trouble during the competition, she would have been made an education ambassador and some people would have rushed to sponsor her abroad.”
Another user, Mutiu Lobisto Abdul Salam, commented: “Those footballers that FG promised millions of naira last time haven’t even been paid, not to mention intellectuals. Please, don’t put your hopes in this government.”
On X (formerly Twitter), @TheRealGulu said: “Is it 200k or 2m naira please? Can somebody confirm the currency and amount again for us? I hope it’s not one overzealous SA dropping this. Let’s allow President BAT to personally handle this matter. This amount I’m seeing is not encouraging.”
@RealDamola added: “200k—that’s less than $150. For a teenager who just put Nigeria on the world map, it’s insulting. She deserves scholarships, mentorship, and serious financial support, not pocket change.”
Similarly, @nnabest4uau said: “Incredible! Education in Nigeria now feels like a scam. Imagine, after this good news broke almost a month ago, FG is giving just N200,000 to a global winner.
“How do we encourage young people to take their studies seriously when others are being celebrated for bad behaviour?
“In this era when social media is negatively influencing teenagers, we should be encouraging those who excel academically to serve as role models.”
Another user, @E4two1, said: “They didn’t build her a house, they didn’t give her a scholarship, they didn’t buy her a car. Just 200k? How will children take education seriously? Play ball, get paid millions. Read books, win competitions, get nothing.”
Expert weighs in
Speaking to Daily Trust, educationist Bello Ogundele said the Federal Government’s gesture falls far short of what is expected for a global academic champion.
He said: “The token for the winners is disappointing. When a Nigerian teenager like Nafisa beats the world in a competition of this magnitude, it is not just her victory but a victory for Nigeria’s education system, for the value of hard work, and for the promise of our youth.
“The N200,000 reward does not reflect the weight of that achievement, especially compared with the much larger rewards often given to sports and entertainment achievers.”
Asked what the federal government should have done, Ogundele said: “A full scholarship covering their education, access to mentorship and international exchange opportunities, or even a national honour to immortalize her achievement would have been more fitting. That would not only celebrate Nafisa but also send a strong message to millions of Nigerian students that academic excellence is valued—if not more—than sports or entertainment.
“So, has the Tinubu-led government done well? Symbolically yes, but substantively no. A token cash gift is not enough. If we want to nurture the next generation of innovators, leaders, and problem-solvers, academic excellence must be rewarded with the same seriousness as other fields.”
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