The Yobe State Government and the Maryam Abacha American University of Nigeria Group of Universities have celebrated the outstanding achievements of two students, Nafisa Abdullah (17) and Rukayya Muhammad Fema (15), who emerged world champions at the 2025 TeenEagle Global Finals in London, United Kingdom.
The duo, both students of Nigerian Tulip International College, represented Nigeria in the global competition where they beat over 20,000 contestants from 69 countries to clinch the world titles in English Language Skills and Overall Debate categories, respectively.
Governor Mai Mala Buni of Yobe State, on Tuesday, approved a special ceremony to honour the girls, both of whom are beneficiaries of his scholarship programme that currently sponsors over 890 students at the institution.
Commending their feat, Buni described their performance as a reward for the administration’s heavy investment in education.
“These are great feats that justify the government’s investment in the education sector.
“The state remains committed to subsidising education and supporting every child’s growth,” the governor said, adding that over 40,000 students from Yobe are currently on scholarships, both within and outside Nigeria.
Meanwhile, former Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Prof Isa Ali Pantami, has called on the Federal Government to grant Nafisa Abdullah a $100,000 reward, a three-bedroom flat, and national honours, likening her achievement to those of Nigeria’s victorious women’s national football and basketball teams.
“Education is the passport to future development,” Pantami said in a Facebook post, advocating that her English teacher also be recognised.
“Let’s invite our daughter and the daughter of all Nigerians, along with her teacher, to the Presidency. What’s good for the goose is good for the gander,” he added.
Also extending congratulations, President and Founder of the MAAUN Group of Universities, Prof Adamu Abubakar Gwarzo, described Nafisa’s success as “a testament to the quality of education available in Nigeria.”
In a statement issued Tuesday in Kano, Gwarzo praised her parents, her school, and the Yobe State Government for nurturing a talent that brought global honour to Nigeria. “This achievement is not only a personal milestone but a national victory that reflects the academic potential of Nigerian students,” he said.
Gwarzo urged other secondary schools in Nigeria to emulate the high academic standards that produced such excellence, noting that Nafisa’s win had earned Nigeria international recognition and pride.
