Former Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Professor Isa Pantami, has called on the Nigerian government to reward 17-year-old Nafisa Abdullah Aminu for her outstanding academic achievement with a package that includes $100,000, a three-bedroom flat, and the national honor of Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON). This appeal was made after the teenager emerged as the world’s best in English language skills at the 2025 TeenEagle Global Finals held in London, United Kingdom. As reported by Newsman, Pantami argued that academic excellence should be celebrated on the same level as sporting achievements.
In a post on his verified X handle, Pantami drew a direct parallel between Nafisa’s intellectual triumph and the recent victories of Nigeria’s female sports teams, the Super Falcons and D’Tigress, who received similar rewards. “What is good for the goose is good for the gander,” he wrote, suggesting that the government should apply a consistent policy of rewarding national champions, regardless of their field. He also recommended that Nafisa’s English teacher should be honored, mirroring the practice of rewarding the coaches of victorious sports teams, according to a report by Channels Television.
Nafisa’s victory is particularly remarkable as she outperformed over 20,000 participants from 69 countries. Her success has been widely celebrated, with many viewing her win as a testament to the immense potential of Nigerian students. A statement from her family, published in Vanguard, attributed her performance to “dedication, discipline, and the enabling support of the state government,” adding to the national pride surrounding her achievement.
Pantami’s call for a substantial reward comes amid a national conversation about the value placed on education and academic excellence versus other fields. While the government’s recognition of the female athletes was widely applauded, Pantami’s statement redirects attention to the importance of nurturing and celebrating intellectual achievements. His appeal is seen by many as a push to shift the national mindset towards prioritizing education as a key driver of development.
The recommendation from a prominent figure like Pantami puts pressure on the federal government to officially recognize and reward the teenager’s historic feat. The outcome of this appeal will likely set a new precedent for how Nigeria honors its academic champions in the future. The support from other political leaders, including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and Yobe State Governor Mai Mala Buni, further amplifies the calls for Nafisa’s accomplishments to be formally celebrated
