Former Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Isa Ali Ibrahim Pantami, has called on the federal government to honour 17-year-old Nafisa Abdullah Aminu for her exceptional achievement at the 2025 TeenEagle Global Finals in London.

Nafisa, a student of Nigerian Tulip International College (NTIC) in Yobe State, emerged as the world’s top performer in English language skills, outshining over 20,000 participants from 69 countries, including native English-speaking nations. Her historic win has attracted national attention and sparked widespread celebration.

In a statement, Pantami described Nafisa’s feat as a shining example of the excellence Nigerian students can attain with the right support and opportunities. He attributed her success to a blend of talent, dedication, discipline, and strong parental and institutional backing.

Drawing parallels with recent federal government rewards to Nigerian female athletes — including $100,000, a three-bedroom flat, and national honours (OON) given to the victorious Super Falcons and D’Tigress — Pantami urged the government to extend the same level of recognition to Nafisa.

“If our sports champions can be rewarded for their excellence, then Nafisa, who has placed Nigeria on the global map for academic excellence, also deserves $100,000, a flat, and an Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON),” Pantami stated.

He further recommended that Nafisa’s English teacher be honoured as well, similar to how the technical and coaching teams of sports squads are recognised.

Pantami emphasized the importance of investing in education, describing it as the foundation of national development. “Education is the passport to the future. Tomorrow belongs to those who prepare for it today,” he added.

He concluded by calling on the presidency to invite Nafisa and her teacher for national recognition, affirming that “what is good for the goose is good for the gander.”