A Champion’s Meager Reward: Nafisah’s N200,000 Conundrum!
Engr. Maidabino Umar
Political Analyst and Public Affairs Commentator
At just 17, Nafisah Abdullahi has achieved what many nations can only dream of. Hailing from Yobe, a state often plagued by poverty and conflict, she emerged victorious in the TeenEagle Global Final Competition, defeating over 25,000 contestants from 69 countries.
Nafisah’s triumph is a testament to her exceptional talent and dedication. However, the reward she received from Nigeria is a stark contrast to her achievement – a mere N200,000, barely enough to cover a single semester’s tuition in a reputable university.
This disparity raises important questions about our values as a nation. We celebrate our athletes and entertainers with fanfare and riches, but when a brilliant young mind achieves greatness, we respond with silence.
Nafisah’s story is a reflection of our society’s priorities. We prioritise physical prowess over intellectual achievement, and it’s a lesson that resonates deeply with our children. It tells them that brilliance is not valued, that education is not worth investing in.
But Nafisah’s victory is not just a personal achievement; it’s a testament to the potential that lies within our nation. It’s a reminder that even in the darkest of places, there is always hope.
Other nations recognise and celebrate their brightest minds. Pakistan stood by Malala Yousafzai, India lifted Gitanjali Rao, and Kenya celebrates its top achievers. The United States and the United Kingdom provide opportunities that change the lives of their young winners.
Nigeria must learn to value its treasures. Nafisah deserves a scholarship that secures her future, and she should be made an ambassador for girl-child education. The First Lady, the Yobe State Government, philanthropists, NGOs, and corporate leaders should support her, not as charity, but as an investment in Nigeria’s future.
If we fail to recognise and support our brightest minds, we risk losing them to nations that value knowledge and innovation. We cannot lament brain drain when we refuse to nurture our own talent.
Nigeria must stop dimming the dreams of its brightest children. We must respect knowledge at home and celebrate our achievers. History will remember those who lifted genius, not those who ignored it.
Let us not be ashamed of our silence. Let us rise to celebrate Nafisah’s triumph, and let us invest in the future of our nation.
