Senate President Godswill Akpabio on Wednesday praised the potential of Nigerian youths to achieve global excellence when properly supported.
He made the remarks while hosting 11-year-old Miss Cara Victor Antai, a bronze medalist at the 2025 TeenEagle Global Final 2, held at the University of Surrey in the United Kingdom.
The courtesy visit took place at Akpabio’s country home in Ukana, located in Essien Udim Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State.
Akpabio said, “I congratulate you, my daughter, on this great feat. It shows that Nigerians, given the opportunities and encouragement by the relevant agencies of government 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 that 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) and also received a Special Award for Best in Charisma.
Her recognition follows similar commendations for other Nigerian teenagers who excelled at the same competition.
Meanwhile, the Atiku Abubakar Foundation awarded fully-funded scholarships to Nafisa Abdullahi, Rukaiya Fema, and Khadija Kalli after their stellar performances.
In a letter dated August 5, 2025, signed by its Acting Secretary, Prof. Ahmadu Shehu, the foundation praised their achievements.
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, particularly for girls and vulnerable groups, noting that the scholarships would cover the remainder of the winners’ secondary and university education at institutions of their choice.
The visit was disclosed in a statement released in Abuja on Wednesday by his Special Assistant on Media, Jackson Udom.
