By Ammar M. Rajab Former Minister of Communication and Digital economy, and African Union official, Professor Isa Ali Ibrahim Pa...
By Ammar M. Rajab
Former Minister of Communication and Digital economy, and African Union official, Professor Isa Ali Ibrahim Pantami, has called on the Nigerian government to reward Nafisa Abdullah Aminu, a 17-year-old student from Yobe State, who emerged as the overall global winner at the 2025 TeenEagle Global Finals held in London, United Kingdom.
Nafisa, a student of Nigerian Tulip International College (NTIC), outperformed more than 20,000 contestants from 69 countries—including native English-speaking nations—to claim the top prize in English language skills at the prestigious international competition.
Reacting to the achievement in a statement posted online, Pantami described Nafisa’s performance as “a shining example of the potential Nigerian students possess when given the right environment and support.” He emphasised that her success was a result of her natural talent, commitment, and the encouragement received from her parents and educational institutions.
“This kind of feat requires more encouragement from the government,” Pantami stated. “Education is the passport to future development, and tomorrow belongs to those who prepare for it today through education and skills.”
Drawing comparisons with recent national recognitions given to athletes, Pantami referenced the Nigerian women’s football team who were each awarded $100,000, a three-bedroom flat, and a national honour (OON) after winning the 2024 Women's Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco. Similarly, the D’Tigress basketball team received high commendation following their historic fifth straight victory at the 2025 FIBA Women’s AfroBasket Championship.
“In the same spirit,” Pantami continued, “Nafisa deserves a $100,000 prize, a three-bedroom flat, and a national honour from the Federal Government of Nigeria. Her English teacher should equally be recognised and rewarded, just like the coaches and technical teams in sports.”
He further urged the Presidency to invite Nafisa and her teacher to the Villa, as a symbolic and practical gesture of the importance of education to national development.
Pantami, who currently serves as Co-Chairman of the African Union’s 4th Industrial Revolution Policy Council, concluded his statement by reiterating the role of education in building a prosperous nation.
“Education is the foundation upon which we build our future and the future of our country. What is good for the goose is good for the gander,” he said.
Nafisa's victory has continued to spark widespread praise across Nigeria, with many seeing it as a much-needed spotlight on academic excellence and youth potential in the global arena.
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