Nafisa’s Triumph: How a 17-Year-Old Nigerian Girl Became the World’s Best in English

By Femi Oyewale

When 17-year-old Nafisa Abdullah Aminu walked onto the stage at the TeenEagle Global Finals in London, few could have imagined the weight of pride she carried on her shoulders. By the end of the competition, she had not only conquered the English Language Skills category but also lifted Nigeria’s name onto the global stage.

This week, in Abuja, the Federal Government celebrated her historic win with applause, cash recognition, and heartfelt words. Yet, beyond the ceremonies and speeches, Nafisa’s story speaks to something bigger: the resilience of Nigerian youth and the possibilities still hidden within the country’s classrooms.

A Celebration in Abuja

The reception was as symbolic as it was ceremonial. At the Federal Ministry of Education headquarters, Minister Dr. Tunji Alausa presented Nafisa with a cheque of ₦200,000, calling her victory “a reflection of the brilliance and resilience of Nigerian students.”

Senior government officials, including Prof. Suiwaba Ahmed, Minister of State for Education, and Prof. Abba Adam, Yobe State Commissioner for Basic Education, turned up to honour the teenager. It wasn’t just about Nafisa; five other category winners from the London contest were also recognised, showing that Nigeria’s talent pool is wide and rising.

More Than a Trophy

For Dr. Alausa, the medal and certificate Nafisa brought home represented more than personal glory. They highlighted the pressing need to keep investing in education — scholarships, mentorships, and improved resources.

“Her achievement underscores what our young people can accomplish when given the right support,” he said. “We must ensure that every child, from Maiduguri to Makurdi, has the opportunity to compete on the global stage.”

Prof. Abba Adam added an emotional layer, hailing Nafisa and her peers as “Amazons.” He reminded the audience that Yobe, once battered by conflict, is now producing global champions. From 171 newly qualified doctors trained in India to the upgrading of state colleges, he framed Nafisa’s victory as part of a broader comeback story.

The Girl Behind the Medal

When Nafisa finally spoke, her voice was steady but filled with gratitude. She thanked her parents, teachers, and the government, but she also shared a vision: to inspire other Nigerian students to believe in themselves.

“I want young people to know that with perseverance and confidence, we can compete with the best in the world,” she said.

She then unveiled her project, English Language for Peace and Development — an initiative she hopes will promote literacy, dialogue, and social cohesion among young Nigerians. For a girl her age, it was more than ambition; it was a declaration of purpose.

A Larger Symbol

Nafisa’s victory has already ignited conversations across the country. Some see her as proof that Nigeria’s youth can excel internationally despite systemic challenges. Others see in her story a call to action: if one girl from Yobe can rise this high, what might be possible if the system gave every child the tools to thrive?

As the applause in Abuja fades, one truth lingers — Nafisa’s achievement is not just hers. It is Nigeria’s reminder that in the faces of its young people lies the brilliance, resilience, and hope for a brighter tomorrow.

TM Foundation Partners with Blessed Nursery & Primary School to Award Scholarships to 10 Pupils

In a heartwarming act of generosity, the TM Foundation has partnered with Blessed Nursery and Primary School, Lantoro, Abeokuta, to offer full tuition scholarships to ten pupils in Lantoro and its surrounding communities.

The gesture, initiated by the school’s management, is aimed at supporting less privileged children whose parents may struggle to afford quality education. Pupils residing in Ake, Isale Ake, Lantoro, Oke Lantoro, Abule Oloni, Isale Abetu, and neighboring areas will benefit from the initiative.

According to the school, while the beneficiaries will be responsible for their uniforms and books, their tuition fees will be completely covered under the name of the TM Foundation.

In a message addressed to the Foundation, the management of Blessed Nursery and Primary School explained that the offer was inspired after listening to a recent TM Foundation programme on Splash FM. The proprietor, who has personally extended similar support in the past, emphasized that the gesture was not for publicity but simply a way of contributing to the Foundation’s vision of empowering the less privileged through education.

Responding, TM Foundation expressed heartfelt appreciation for the remarkable partnership, describing it as a “truly inspiring” demonstration of compassion and shared commitment.

“Your generosity reflects a heart committed to making a lasting impact,” TM Foundation noted. “We deeply appreciate this partnership in touching young lives and giving them hope for a brighter future.”

Now in its fifth year of operation, Blessed Nursery and Primary School has grown to over 60 pupils, continuing to play a vital role in shaping young learners in the community. With this collaboration, ten more children will have the opportunity to access quality education and pursue a brighter future.

Lagos to Seal Dowen College Over Illegal Waste Dumping

Lagos State authorities have ordered the sealing of Dowen College, Lekki Phase 1, following allegations of improper waste disposal traced to the school.

Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, announced the move on X (formerly Twitter), stating that the Corps Marshal of the Lagos State Environmental Sanitation Corps had been directed to enforce the order.

“This waste was traced to Dowen College in Lekki Phase 1. Such disregard for environmental laws is unacceptable,” Wahab said. “We will not hesitate to take firm action against any institution or organization that violates waste management regulations.”

The commissioner’s statement comes as part of the state’s intensified crackdown on environmental law violations.

Dowen College has previously faced scrutiny from the state government. In 2021, it was shut down indefinitely following the controversial death of student Sylvester Oromoni Jnr., pending investigation.