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By Oscar Okhifo
A storm of controversy is trailing the Federal Government’s reward system after a stark disparity emerged between the treatment of Nigeria’s athletes and a teenage academic prodigy.
Nafisah Abdullahi, a 15-year-old girl from Yobe State, recently beat over 20,000 students from 69 countries to emerge as the Best English-Speaking Teenager in the World after winning an international spelling contest.
Her extraordinary feat drew admiration across the country.
However, while the Federal Government splashed $100,000 (about ₦160 million) and a house each on the victorious Super Falcons football team, as well as similar largesse for the national female basketball team, Nafisah was given only ₦200,000 (about $129) by Education Minister Prof. Tahir Alausa on behalf of the Tinubu-led administration.
The glaring contrast has triggered widespread outrage, with many Nigerians accusing the government of openly devaluing education while glorifying sports .
Public affairs analyst Mahdi Shehu described the token as “the highest level of insult,” insisting that Abdullahi deserved far greater recognition.
“Could it be that the current Federal Government gives sports and entertainment more importance than education? Where are all claims of Tinubu’s love for education? Is it just a slogan and political statement?” Shehu queried in a post on his X handle.
Critics also argue that the problem runs deeper than the Federal Government, pointing to Nigeria’s long history of neglecting academic excellence. Earlier this year, the best graduating nursing student at the University of Benin Teaching Hospital received only ₦30,000 from his department.
Pointblanknews.com gathered from a reliable source that, the exceptional nursing graduand begged colleagues not to publicize it.
In some schools, brilliant students have been rewarded with goats and chickens.
Analysts warn that such an askew reward culture sends the wrong message to the age’s youths who are already postulating that ” Western Education is a scam” Some prefer to say “Who degree certificate help?”
“A society where sports persons, politicians and entertainers get more rewards and appreciation than academics and extremely brilliant citizens is a country on her way down,” one Israel Olatunji said on radio.
Attention has also turned to Northern leaders. Many Nigerians expected Governors across the North to celebrate Nafisah in grand style, not only to honour her but, also to send a strong message out that the region is not anti- western education or against the academic rise of females. It would also show that the region’s commitment to western education, particularly for the girl child is strong.
Critics describe it as ironic and unfortunate that a region which often celebrates graduands of Islamic schools and marriages with pomp has failed to give epic recognition to Nafisah, who brought pride to both the North and Nigeria on the global stage.
So far, only Yobe State Governor Mai Mala Buni has hosted her at a reception, with undisclosed gifts.
Public Affairs commentator, Mahdi Shehu, has announced plans to launch an online campaign on Monday, September 1, 2025, to raise ₦250 million for Nafisah and her family in appreciation of her achievement. Will he get the needed support from his co-Northerners? Time will tell.
The development has reignited debate about Nigeria’s priorities and whether the nation’s leaders truly value academic excellence on par with sports and entertainment. It’s high time this askew reward system is changed. This is the bottom line.