Recognise scholars like sports stars, Abbas tells FG after Nigerian teens win in UK
Tajudeen Abbas, speaker of the house of representatives, has called for the institutional recognition of academic excellence, saying Nigerians who bring global honour to the country deserve to be celebrated just like their counterparts in sports and entertainment.
Abbas made the call on Wednesday in Abuja while reacting to the victory of three Nigerian teenagers—Nafisa Abdullahi Aminu, Rukayya Muhammad Fema, and Hadiza Kashim Kalli—at the 2025 TeenEagle Global Competition held in London, United Kingdom.
Seventeen-year-old Nafisa emerged overall best in English language communication skills, 15-year-old Rukayya clinched the top prize in debate, while Hadiza won the gold medal for outstanding talent.
Describing the girls as “super talents,” Abbas said they had made Nigeria proud on the international stage.
“Their achievements reaffirm my belief that, with the right environment, Nigerians will continue to break barriers and excel in all spheres of life globally,” the speaker said.
He added that the trio’s success, coming after the D’Tigress won the 2025 FIBA Afrobasket and the Super Falcons lifted the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), further reinforced his confidence in the girl child and his advocacy for gender inclusion in politics and governance.
Abbas restated his commitment to strengthening the education sector, especially at the basic level, which he described as the foundation for nurturing future champions.
He also urged stakeholders to create a reward system that recognises academic achievements, noting that celebrating intellectual excellence would inspire more young Nigerians to reach for global relevance.
