Our Reporter, Abuja
Nigerians on social media have slammed President Bola Tinubu for what many have described as “empty words” following his congratulatory message to three Nigerian students who emerged champions at the 2025 TeenEagle Global competition in London.
The President, in a press release issued Wednesday by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, lauded Nafisa Abdullahi Aminu, Rukayya Muhammad Fema, and Hadiza Kashim Kalli for excelling in the global English language and debate contest.
Seventeen-year-old Nafisa clinched the overall best in English language skills; 15-year-old Rukayya emerged best in debate, while Hadiza won the outstanding talent gold medal.
While President Tinubu praised the girls for being “repositories of excellence” and reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to education, many Nigerians, however, expressed dissatisfaction over what they described as the lack of tangible reward or national recognition beyond words.
“The same president who gave D’Tigress players $100,000 and national honours for winning a basketball championship abroad cannot offer even a handshake to these brilliant girls?” wrote one user on X (formerly Twitter).
Another user commented: “These girls lifted Nigeria’s name globally in a highly intellectual competition, but all they get is a press release. No scholarships? No medals? No national honours? Shame.”
@kayode_MK wrote: “When it was sports, dollars and apartments flew. Today, it’s grammar that’s flying around.
“Hopefully, the next announcement includes national honours, scholarships, and life-changing rewards.
“Excellence, in any form, deserves more than applause.”
Responding, another X user, @aliuumar6 wrote: “Sir to be honest we need to celebrate these young girls in public, this will go a long way in motivating younger to emulate a right path in our education sector.”
But in a rare support for the President, @yusufzone posted: “Thank you Mr President PBAT for the very impressive words of commendation. It’s really a great privilege for a President to pen a personal piece of salutation for personal excellence. Commendation well deserved. All wailers should relax, the needful has already been done.”
Meanwhile, many other X users questioned the government’s priorities, noting that while athletes and entertainers often receive lavish rewards and presidential receptions, young academic achievers are frequently overlooked.
Calls have since mounted on the Federal Government to reward the students through scholarships, national awards, or official receptions—as a way to promote academic excellence and inspire others.
