How Nigerian teenagers outshone 69 countries to win English competition in London

Three Nigerian students from Yobe State have made the country proud by emerging victorious at the 2025 TeenEagle Global English Championship, held in London, United Kingdom. Competing against over 20,000 participants from 69 countries, the students not only showcased their academic prowess but also highlighted the growing impact of educational development in Nigeria’s North-East region.

The students – Nafisa Abdullahi (17), Ruqayya Fema (15), and Hadiza Kalli – are all students of Nigeria Tulip International College, Mamudo, located in Yobe State.

They represented Nigeria at the prestigious international English language and debate competition, where they clinched top positions in various categories including debate, English language skills, and the outstanding talent award for creativity and unique presentation.

Their remarkable achievement has drawn national attention and celebration, particularly in Yobe State. To honour their success, development advocate, lawyer, and diplomat Kashim Tumsah, popularly known as KMT, announced a total reward of N1.5 million for the trio. Each of the students will receive N500,000 along with a brand-new laptop.

Speaking to journalists in Damaturu on Tuesday, Mr Tumsah praised the students’ dedication and brilliance, describing their victory as a significant achievement not just for Yobe State, but for the entire country.

“We proudly celebrate the outstanding achievement of three brilliant young students from Yobe – Nafisa, Ruqayya, and Hadiza – who brought honour to Nigeria at the TeenEagle Global English Championship in London,” he said. “Emerging victorious among over 20,000 participants from 69 countries, these students have not only demonstrated academic excellence and discipline but also highlighted the immense potential of Nigerian youth, particularly from the North-East.”

Mr Tumsah also commended the administration of Governor Mai Mala Buni for sustained investments in education, noting that the governor’s efforts to improve the learning environment across Yobe State were clearly producing exceptional outcomes.

“This milestone is a source of pride not only for Yobe but for Nigeria as a whole. It stands as a powerful reminder of what is possible when talent is matched with opportunity,” he added.

The victory of the students at an international event such as the TeenEagle Championship reflects the increasing visibility of Nigerian students in global academic competitions. It also underscores the importance of continued support for youth development through quality education and mentorship.

Earlier in the year, Mr Tumsah had also supported academic excellence by awarding N100,000 each to 29 students from the state who scored 300 and above in the 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME).

The success of Nafisa, Ruqayya, and Hadiza continues to inspire a wave of optimism for the educational future of the region and reinforces the belief that with proper guidance and support, Nigerian students can compete and win on the world stage.

(News Agency of Nigeria)