“We Will Remember at the Polls” – Northerners Blast Presidency Over Student Neglect

Three teenage girls from Yobe State — Nafisa Abdullahi Aminu, Rukayya Muhammad Fema, and Hadiza Kashim Kalli — have made Nigeria proud on the world stage, winning top honors at the 2025 TeenEagle Global Finals in London, defeating tens of thousands of competitors from nearly 70 countries in English language skills, debate, and talent.

While the Yobe State Government under Governor Mai Mala Buni plans to host a grand reception, the federal government’s recognition stopped at a congratulatory statement from President Bola Tinubu. No awards, no financial incentives, no national honors.

This omission has sparked outrage in the North, where many see it as yet another sign of marginalization.
Prominent Nigerians, including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and ex-Minister Isa Ali Pantami, have publicly urged the presidency to give the girls the same level of honor awarded to sports champions — such as the Super Falcons and D’Tigress, who recently received national honors, $100,000 each, and new homes.

Social media is buzzing with frustration. Mustapha Aminu Maigano wrote:

“Rewarding Nafisa is rewarding education. Give them national honors, scholarships, a home, and financial support. Use their story to inspire millions.”

Mairo Muhammad Mudi questioned the snub:

“Is it because they are from Yobe? Or because their win didn’t trend enough? The President knew about it, congratulated them, but failed to act. The North is asking hard questions.”

Some citizens see the move as political. Buhari Abubakar told DAILY POST:

“The President doesn’t take the North seriously. We will remember this at the polls.”

However, others argue that comparing the students’ win to sports victories is unfair, since the athletes represented the entire country in official competitions.

Still, the growing anger follows recent accusations from heavyweight northern politicians like Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso and Babachir Lawal, who have accused President Tinubu of marginalizing the region.