The National Leadership of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), led by Comrade Olushola Oladoja GCNS, expresses deep disappointment over the recent gesture by the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, on behalf of the Federal Ministry of Education where a cash gift of ₦200,000 (two hundred thousand naira only) was presented to Miss Nafisah Abdullahi, the 2025 TeenEagle Global Finals Champion held in London, United Kingdom.
While NANS appreciates the recognition accorded to Miss Nafisah, we must state categorically that this reward is grossly inadequate and represents a slap on the face of Nigeria’s education system.
A young Nigerian, who has brought pride and global honour to the country by emerging victorious over more than 20,000 participants from 69 nations. Including native English-speaking countries, deserves far more than a token cash gift.
This gesture not only downplays the magnitude of her remarkable achievement but also sends a discouraging message to millions of Nigerian students striving for academic excellence.
Proper compensation should serve as a motivation to her peers, encouragement to parents, and inspiration to communities across the country. Anything short of that undermines the value of education in our national discourse.
It is important to acknowledge that His Excellency, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, has recently demonstrated commitment to educational advancement through personal interventions.
A case in point is the scholarship awarded in May 2025 to Adetutu Blessing Osoba, covering tuition and hostel fees in recognition of her resilience after a previous admission setback and her impressive UTME performance. Similarly, Sodiq Shoyode was granted a scholarship alongside placement in a digital academy after attaining an outstanding UTME score of 360 at the age of 16. These gestures reflect the President’s willingness to support young talents who distinguished themselves academically.
We therefore call on the Federal Ministry of Education to urgently review and upgrade the compensation given to Miss Nafisah, ensuring that her reward is befitting of the global recognition and sacrifice. Beyond tokenism, the federal government must demonstrate genuine commitment to celebrating intellectual achievements in the same way sports and entertainment are often celebrated with grand gestures.
Her achievement is rare and extraordinary. She deserves far more recognition and better reward. Her victory is not just a personal achievement but a pride to Yobe State, Nigeria, and Africa at large. She has carried the flag of her state and country high on the global stage, and she deserves to be celebrated with dignity and honour. This is the kind of achievement that inspires generations, and I sincerely hope the Yobe State Government under the leadership of Mai Mala Buni will rise to the occasion and reward her in a way that matches the greatness of her feat.
NANS reiterates that education is the bedrock of national development, and the treatment given to our champions should reflect the seriousness with which we regard education in Nigeria. Anything less is an embarrassment and an injustice to the sacrifices of students and teachers across the federation. Education should be celebrated and honored just as much as sports. It is the foundation of true national greatness.
E-Signed:
Comrade Oladimeji Uthman
Executive Director, Administration and Planning,
National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS),
National Headquarters
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