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By Oscar Okhifo
Three Nigerian schoolgirls have brought pride to the nation after excelling at the 2025 TeenEagle Global Finals held recently in London, United Kingdom, a competition that featured over 20,000 students from 69 countries.
The students, Nafisa Abdullah Aminu, Rukayya Muhammad Fema, and Hadiza Kashim Kalli, all from Nigerian Tulip International College (NTIC), Yobe State, emerged top performers in different categories of the prestigious English language and communication contest.
Seventeen-year-old Nafisa Aminu clinched the highly coveted title of World Best in English Language Skills, outshining contestants from across the globe. Her 15-year-old schoolmate, Rukayya Fema, won the World Best in Debate category, while Hadiza Kalli earned the Outstanding Talent Award (Gold Medal) for her exceptional display.
In reaction to their feats, Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, in a statement on Tuesday, described their success as a powerful reminder of the vast intellectual potential among Nigerian youths.
“These girls have made Nigeria proud on the global stage” he said. ” Their victories show that with the right support and determination, our students can compete and win anywhere in the world. I salute their brilliance, discipline, and drive,” Abbas said.
The Speaker also lauded the management of NTIC and the Yobe State Government for fostering academic excellence, especially in a region that has faced serious educational setbacks due to insecurity.
Yobe State Governor, Mai Mala Buni, has announced plans to host a grand reception in their honour. He hailed their achievements as a result of the state’s increasing investment in education, including rebuilding schools, equipping classrooms with learning materials, and employing qualified teachers.
Nafisa, speaking to journalists after the contest, said she was inspired by the desire to “prove to the world that Nigerians can win too.” She expressed hope that her victory would encourage more young girls, particularly from the North-East, to pursue academic excellence.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu had earlier congratulated the trio, stating that their success was a testament to the strength of Nigeria’s educational system and a call for renewed commitment to youth development.
Meanwhile, former Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Prof. Isa Ali Pantami, has urged President Tinubu to host and reward the girls just as the government has celebrated and rewarded the recent sporting heroes who brought global recognition to Nigeria.
The TeenEagle Global Finals is an international platform designed to promote English proficiency, communication skills, and critical thinking among young people, while grooming the next generation of global leaders.