Three brilliant young girls from Nigeria—Nafisa Abdullahi, Rukaiya Mohammed Fema, and Khadija Kashim Kalli—have risen from the classrooms of Maiduguri to international stardom after clinching top honours at the 2025 TeenEagle Global Finals, an elite academic competition featuring prodigies from around the world.
Their victory didn’t just earn them medals—it changed their lives. The Atiku Abubakar Foundation (AAF) stepped in with a game-changing offer: full scholarships covering the rest of their secondary school education and continuing through any university of their choice.
A Global Win, A National Celebration
The girls’ performance on the world stage sparked widespread celebration, not just for their academic brilliance but also for what they represent—the rising power of the Nigerian girl-child. The AAF, founded by Nigeria’s former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, made it clear this gesture wasn’t just about academics.
“This is a reaffirmation of our belief in the transformative power of education,” the Foundation noted, “especially for young girls whose talents deserve every chance to shine.”
Atiku Abubakar himself has long championed girl-child education, emphasizing that educating one girl can uplift entire communities. By empowering these three stars from the North-East—a region often overshadowed by conflict—he is spotlighting a new narrative: hope, intellect, and international achievement.
Presidential Praise
Even President Bola Ahmed Tinubu joined the chorus of commendation. He described the girls’ achievement as “a beacon of Nigeria’s global potential,” and reiterated his administration’s commitment to accessible education through tools like the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND).
About TeenEagle
The TeenEagle Global Finals is a premier international academic challenge, drawing gifted students from over 30 countries to compete in English proficiency, critical thinking, and leadership. That three Nigerian girls emerged at the top speaks volumes of the country’s growing intellectual footprint on the global map.
Quick Glance
| Highlight | Details |
|---|---|
| Award | Full scholarships from the Atiku Abubakar Foundation |
| Winners | Nafisa Abdullahi, Rukaiya Mohammed Fema, Khadija Kashim Kalli |
| Competition | 2025 TeenEagle Global Finals |
| Significance | Global recognition, educational empowerment, national inspiration |
| Endorsements | Applauded by AAF and President Tinubu |
