By Nura Bako Zango
Nigeria has once again been placed on the global stage of academic excellence, thanks to the outstanding achievement of 17-year-old Nafisa Abdullahi Aminu, a student of Nigerian Tulip International Colleges, Yobe, who was recently crowned World Best in English at the TeenEagle Global Finals. This remarkable feat not only demonstrates her brilliance, but also serves as an inspiring example of the limitless potentials within Nigerian youth.
While the nation has often celebrated sporting achievements—such as the female footballers and basketballers that were recently crowned African Champions—it is equally important, if not more urgent, for the government to recognize and honour young intellectuals like Nafisa. Academic excellence builds the foundation for innovation, leadership, and sustainable national development.
Nafisa’s success story should be a wake-up call to policymakers. Nigeria must invest in education and celebrate academic talents with the same energy and resources devoted to sports. Recognition, scholarships, mentorship, and national awards for achievers like Nafisa will not only motivate others, but also send a powerful message that excellence in education is a top national priority.
Today, I salute Nafisa Abdullahi Aminu for making NTIC, her family, Yobe State and Nigeria as a whole proud. I call on the government to make sure that academic heroes stand shoulder to shoulder with our sporting champions for better and more prosperous Nigeria.
The Federal government should, as a matter of urgency, challenge the needed resources and efforts towards revamping education in order to achieve the main goals of the Nigerian National Policy On Education (as outlined in the 2013 revised edition) which are built around five national objectives which aimed at achieving:
- Free and democratic society
- A just and egalitarian society
- United, strong and self reliant nation
- A great and dynamic economy
- A land full of bright opportunities for all citizens.