Nigeria’s flag soared high on the global stage as 17-year-old Nafisa Abdullah Aminu, a student from Yobe State, emerged overall best in English Language Skills at the 2025 TeenEagle Global Finals held in London, United Kingdom. Competing against more than 20,000 students from 69 countries—including native English-speaking nations—Aminu’s triumph has been hailed as a historic win for Nigeria’s education system.
Representing Nigerian Tulip International College (NTIC), Aminu stood out for her mastery of the English language, communication finesse, and analytical depth. She was joined by two other brilliant Nigerian students: Rukayya Muhammad Fema, who clinched Best in Debate, and Hadiza Kashim Kalli, winner of the Outstanding Talent Award and a gold medal recipient.
The TeenEagle competition, known for its rigor, tests not just language proficiency but also critical thinking, confidence, and global communication skills among teenagers worldwide. That three Nigerian girls swept top honours is being celebrated as a powerful message about the strength and potential of young Nigerian minds—especially the girl-child.
Reactions have poured in from across Nigeria, with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu leading the commendation. In a statement issued by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, the President lauded the students as “world champions” and said:
“The President commends these exceptional young Nigerians for the feat and affirms that the nation’s future is much brighter with many of its youth as repositories of excellence.”
Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Tunji Alausa, and Minister of State for Education, Prof. Suiwaba Sa’id Ahmed, also praised the students, describing their achievement as “historic and inspiring,” while reaffirming the government’s commitment to youth development through quality education.
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar shared his thoughts on X (formerly Twitter), saying:
“Nafisa’s outstanding success serves as a powerful testament to the limitless potential of the Nigerian girl-child when provided with quality education and a supportive environment.”
Peter Obi, former Anambra State governor and Labour Party presidential candidate, described the feat as a “moment of great national pride” and urged the Federal Government to honour the girls with scholarships:
“Her emergence as the top English language performer globally… is not only a personal triumph but a moment of great national pride. A fully funded scholarship would inspire many more students.”
Back home, Nafisa’s family expressed deep appreciation to her school, teachers, and the Yobe State Government. Her father, Hassan Salifu, thanked Governor Mai Mala Buni for prioritising education in the state:
“Our daughter’s global success would not have been possible without the visionary support for education by His Excellency, Governor Mai Mala Buni.”
This achievement adds to Nigeria’s growing list of global academic accomplishments and reinforces the transformative power of education when coupled with opportunity, discipline, and support. For Nafisa, Rukayya, and Hadiza, it is a personal victory—but for Nigeria, it is a resounding affirmation of the brilliance that exists in its classrooms.