For placing Nigeria on the global academic stage by emerging World Best in English at the 2025 TeenEagle Global Finals in London, surpassing contestants from 69 countries at just 17, Nafisa Abdullahi Aminu is LEADERSHIP Young College Person of the Year.
At just 17 years old, Nafisa Abdullahi Aminu, born in Kano State and currently studying in Yobe State, has achieved a historic milestone that has put Nigeria firmly on the global academic map. At the prestigious 2025 TeenEagle Global Finals in London, Nafisa was crowned World Best in English Language, triumphing over participants from 69 countries and beating more than 20,000 contestants worldwide.
Representing her school, Tulip International College (NTIC), Yobe State, Nafisa became a shining beacon of hope for Nigerian students everywhere, especially those from northern Nigeria, a region often challenged by insecurity and academic setbacks. Her victory is, thus, beyond a personal triumph.
What makes Nafisa’s accomplishment even more remarkable is that she outperformed candidates from English-speaking nations, proving that with determination and the right support Nigerian students can excel on any global stage.
Her story is one of resilience and legacy. Losing her father in infancy, Nafisa was raised by her stepfather, Alhaji Yusuf Umar Kaigama of Yobe State. She proudly descends from the historic Kano Emirate, linked to two revered rulers, Emir Ibrahim Dabo and Emir Abdullahi Maje Karofi.
Following her landmark win, Nafisa launched a bold campaign titled “Always Speak English: No More Vernacular in Schools”, advocating the exclusive use of English in northern Nigeria’s academic institutions. She passionately believes that mastering English is not just learning a language—it’s unlocking doors to global opportunities, leveling the playing field, and empowering students to compete internationally. “A weak command of English can become a barrier, closing doors, limiting opportunities, and holding students back from excelling in exams, research, and the global arena,” she said. “My vision is a northern Nigeria where every student speaks English fluently, not just as a subject but as a powerful tool for success.”
Nafisa’s achievement is more than a trophy; it’s a symbol of Nigeria’s untapped potential and a rallying call for educational transformation. She stands today not only as the youngest inductee into the famous Arewa Wall of Fame but also as a testament to what grit, heritage and vision can achieve.
Nafisa Abdullahi Aminu, a true champion for Nigeria, a global English icon, and an inspiration for generations to come, is LEADERSHIP’s Young College Person of the Year 2025.
