Former Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Prof. Isa Ali Pantami, has called on President Bola Tinubu to honor 17-year-old Nafisa Abdullah Aminu, who recently emerged victorious in a prestigious global English competition held in the United Kingdom.
Pantami urged the federal government to reward the teenage academic champion with the same level of recognition accorded to Nigerian sports teams like the Super Falcons and D'Tigress for their recent continental victories.
According to Pantami's statement on his verified X handle on Tuesday, Nafisa, a student of Nigerian Tulip International College (NTIC) in Yobe State, outperformed over 20,000 participants from 69 countries, including native English-speaking nations, to clinch the top position at the 2025 TeenEagle Global Finals.
"Nafisa deserves recognition: $100,000, a flat, and an Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON)," Pantami wrote, highlighting the significance of her achievement.
The former minister praised the teenager's dedication, natural talent, and the support she received from her educational institution and parents. He emphasized that her remarkable victory demonstrates how Nigerian students can excel on the global stage when provided with the right environment and opportunities.
Comparing Academic and Sports Recognition
Drawing parallels with recent sporting achievements, Pantami referenced the Super Falcons' Women's Africa Cup victory and D'Tigress' historic fifth AfroBasket title. Both teams were rewarded with substantial cash prizes, houses, and national honors for their accomplishments.
"What is good for the goose is good for the gander. Nafisa and her English teacher deserve the same kind of reward," Pantami stated, underscoring the importance of valuing educational achievements as foundational to national development.
BenriNews recently reported that the prizes awarded to female sports stars for their achievements sparked mixed reactions online. While some Nigerians commended the government for recognizing excellence, others criticized the move as reflecting misplaced priorities in national resource allocation.
Nafisa's achievement stands as a testament to Nigeria's potential in academic competitions and raises important questions about how the country celebrates and incentivizes excellence across different fields.
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