President of the Senate Godswill Akpabio said Nigerian youths’ had potential to excel globally if given the proper support.
Akpabio made the remark yesterday, while receiving 11-year-old Miss Cara Victor Antai, who won a bronze medal at the 2025 TeenEagle Global Final 2 at the University of Surrey, United Kingdom.
The courtesy visit occurred at his country home in Ukana, Essien Udim Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State.
His Special Assistant on Media, Jackson Udom, disclosed this in a statement issued in Abuja on Wednesday.
Akpabio said, “I congratulate you, my daughter, on this remarkable feat. It shows that, given the opportunities and encouragement from the relevant government agencies, Nigerians can achieve whatever they are out to achieve.
“This award bestowed on you is a demand for more hard work. I also congratulate your parents, Dr and Mrs Antai, for ensuring you achieve this great feat.”
The competition, which attracted over 20,000 participants from 69 countries, began with online rounds before culminating in the Global Final 2, which ran from July 27 to August 3 at the University of Surrey.
Nigeria was represented by eight students — five from NTIC Abuja and three from NTIC Yobe.
Competing in the TeenEagle 1 category, which tested receptive skills (reading and listening) alongside productive skills (writing and speaking), Cara secured 3rd Place (Bronze). She received a Special Award for Best in Charisma.
Her recognition follows similar commendations for Nigerian teenagers who excelled at the same competition.
Meanwhile, after their stellar performances, the Atiku Abubakar Foundation awarded fully-funded scholarships to Nafisa Abdullahi, Rukaiya Fema, and Khadija Kalli.
The foundation praised their achievements in a letter dated August 5, 2025, signed by its Acting Secretary, Prof. Ahmadu Shehu.
He said. “Your remarkable success is a testament not only to your academic excellence but also to the boundless potential of all children to achieve their dreams, regardless of gender, social class, or background.”
The foundation further reaffirmed its mission of promoting quality education and inclusiveness for girls and vulnerable groups. It noted that the scholarships would cover the remainder of the winners’ secondary and university education at institutions of their choice.
President Bola Tinubu also earlier congratulated the three students on emerging world champions. At the same time, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar lauded Nafisa Aminu from Yobe State for being named the World’s Best in English at the global finals.
