Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, has called on the Bola Tinubu administration to honour 17-year-old Nafisa Abdullah Aminu, a Yobe State student who emerged as the world’s top English language performer at the 2025 TeenEagle Global Finals in London.
Obi’s plea emphasises the need to prioritise education and reward academic excellence to inspire Nigeria’s youth and secure the nation’s future.
Nafisa, a student at Nigerian Tulip International College, outshone over 20,000 participants from 69 countries, including native English-speaking nations, to claim the prestigious title. Her victory has sparked widespread celebration across Nigeria, with Obi hailing it as a testament to the potential of Nigerian youth when given proper support. 
In a post on X, he urged the government to offer her a fully funded scholarship and formal recognition at the presidency, stating, “A fully funded scholarship would not only reward her excellence but also inspire other students across the country to pursue education with passion and purpose.”
Obi’s call comes amid growing public frustration with the Tinubu administration’s focus on lavish spending, such as purchasing new presidential jets, while neglecting education. He stressed that recognising Nafisa and other academic achievers is critical to building a nation that values merit.
“Education remains the most powerful investment we can make in the future of our country,” Obi wrote. “Recognising and supporting achievers like her is how we build a nation where merit is honoured and greatness is nurtured.”
The response from Nigerians on social media reflects strong support for Obi’s stance. Desmond, an X user, echoed Obi’s sentiments, stating, “Nafisa’s global triumph proves Nigerian youths can shine anywhere with the right support. She deserves national honour and a scholarship; let’s show that academic excellence truly matters.”
Another user, CryptoNaija042, added, “Awarding scholarships to her and other students who have demonstrated academic excellence is one of the most effective ways to inspire and promote a culture of academic achievement among our youth.”
However, some criticised Obi’s advocacy as politically motivated. Sarki, an X user, remarked, “Stop using her for your political propaganda if you’re not going to reward her with a substantial amount. If she were from the Southeast, you would’ve given her at least ₦5 million.” Others took aim at Tinubu’s administration, with JUSTICE! commenting, “The criminal in Aso Rock may not invite her and the teacher, cos this one borders on education, and it is not in line with the @ChicagoState diploma certificate forger’s goals.
Nafisa’s achievement, credited to her discipline, family support, and the educational reforms of Yobe State Governor Mai Mala Buni, has reignited calls for greater investment in Nigeria’s education sector. Obi’s advocacy underscores his long-standing commitment to education, a cornerstone of his tenure as Anambra State governor, where he significantly improved school infrastructure and access.
As Nigeria celebrates Nafisa’s global feat, Obi’s challenge to the Tinubu administration highlights a broader debate: will the government prioritise academic excellence or continue its focus on political optics? The nation awaits a response as young talents like Nafisa prove Nigeria’s potential on the world stage.
