Former Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Prof. Isa Ali Pantami, is calling out the federal government—this time not with complaints, but with a heartfelt plea: honour brain the same way we honour ball.
Pantami took to his verified X handle on Tuesday to celebrate 17-year-old Nafisa Abdullah Aminu, a student from Nigerian Tulip International College (NTIC), Yobe State, who beat over 20,000 students from 69 countries—including native English speakers—to win the 2025 TeenEagle Global English Championship in the UK.
Yes, you heard right—this Nigerian girl conquered the world in English, and Pantami is wondering why she hasn’t been publicly celebrated with $100K, a flat, and a national award, just like the Super Falcons and D’Tigress were after their sports victories.
“What is good for the goose is good for the gander,” he wrote, stressing that Nafisa and her English teacher deserve national recognition, not just quiet congratulations. After all, this win isn’t just personal—it’s a global proof that Nigerian students can shine anywhere if given the right tools and support.
He used the moment to push for a shift in how Nigeria values education. According to him, brains and books should carry just as much weight as boots and baskets.
Online reactions? Mixed, of course. Some hailed the government’s generosity towards the athletes, others slammed it as “rewarding muscle over mind”. But Pantami’s message was simple: Don’t let genius go unnoticed.
Because in a country full of potential, sometimes all it takes is one well-deserved reward to spark a revolution.
