The Federal Government has awarded N200,000 to Nafisah Abdullahi, a Nigerian teenager who emerged winner of the TeenEagle Global Finals, an international English language and critical thinking competition.

Abdullahi, representing Nigeria through the Nigerian Tulip International College, beat over 20,000 participants from 69 countries, including native English-speaking nations, to clinch the world title.

Earlier, the Atiku Foundation had announced fully funded scholarships for Abdullahi and fellow TeenEagle champions, Rukaiya Fema and Khadija Kalli, describing their success as “remarkable.”

At a recognition ceremony in Abuja on Thursday, the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa and the Minister of State for Education, Prof. Suiwaba Ahmad, hailed Abdullahi’s feat, describing her as “a beacon of excellence and inspiration to Nigerian youths.”

Alausa stressed that the Tinubu administration remains committed to human capital development, noting that education, health, and social protection had received significant priority in recent budgetary allocations.

“You are the future of Nigeria, and you have made us proud. For the first time in our history, we have one of the highest allocations to education. Each time we approach the President, his response has been a resounding ‘yes’ because he believes in you, the children of Nigeria,” Alausa said.

Beyond the N200,000 prize, the minister also announced additional cash rewards of over N100,000 for other outstanding Nigerian students at the competition.

On her part, Prof. Ahmad commended Abdullahi’s intellect and determination, pledging the government’s continued support for young Nigerians who bring honour to the country.

“Nigerian youths can compete and excel globally. Nafisa has shown that we are blessed as a nation and can stand shoulder-to-shoulder with the best in the world,” she said, while urging the teenager to see the achievement as the beginning of greater exploits.

In her remarks, Abdullahi thanked President Bola Tinubu, the education ministers, her parents, and her school for the support that enabled her success.

Also speaking, Yobe State Commissioner for Basic Education, Prof. Abba Idris, applauded the Federal Government’s recognition of the teenager, stressing that the state remains committed to celebrating and supporting educational excellence.