Nigerians have reacted negatively to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s handling of three teenagers who excelled during a recent academic competition in the United Kingdom.

Nigerians who have reacted through different platforms have queried Tinubu’s priority on education, demanding the same gesture extended to the Super Falcons and D’Tiger for their victories in recent continental tournaments to be extended to the excellent teenagers.

While the President rewarded each of the players with $100,000, national honours, and three-bedroom apartments in Abuja, he only sent a congratulatory message to the teenagers.

The trio of Nafisat Abdullah Aminu, 17; Rukayya Muhammad Fema, 15; and Hadiza Kashim Kalli, represented Nigeria at a prestigious global academic competition and emerged as overall best in English language, overall best in debate and outstanding talent award, respectively.

The trio outperformed over 200,000 contestants from 69 countries, earning international acclaim.

Yet, aside from a formal congratulatory message from the presidency, no material or national honour has been announced for their achievement.

While many Nigerians applauded the recognition given to the athletes, others have drawn attention to what they describe as a stark disparity in how the government rewards excellence in sports compared to education.

The development has sparked intense debate across social media platforms, with many Nigerians expressing frustration over what they perceive as a lack of priority in the reward system in the country.

Majority of Nigerians who commented on the congratulatory message posted on verified handles belonging to the President, Aso Villa, Presidential spokesperson, expressed their frustration.

“All this cho-cho-cho with no tangible reward, no scholarship, no national honour, nothing. These girls made Nigeria proud on a global stage, yet all they get is ‘congratulations’ from the State House?

“What’s the use of commendation without compensation? Other countries would have handed out full scholarship, laptops, even cash rewards. Encouragement is good, but real investment in talents is better,” Atiku Sokoto tweeted via @abba_hamani.

“So Tinubu did not give her any house or money? Just commendation? What a waste of governance space! You encouraged sports but discouraged education” wrote Eric Eze via @drezeeric_eze.

“Where is the $100,000 prize or national reward that should rightfully accompany such a historic achievements? Celebrating excellence is commendable but rewarding it is more meaningful. These brilliant young Nigerian girls triumphed over competitors from 69 countries in an academic contest that holds global significance,” Tahir Prime tweeted via @taheetprime

Others noted the long-term implications of downplaying education in favour of sports.

“Encouragement is good, but real investment in talent is better,” one user stated.

Some critics even alleged ethnic bias in the handling.

“This isn’t just about a congratulatory message, these ladies deserve more than $100,000 and even a national honour like the OON. Or is it because they’re Northerners that your administration is treating them with bias?” Sadi Gama asked via @Chairman_Gama.

Conversely, a few voices defended the President’s approach, arguing that not every achievement must be monetarily rewarded.

“I like the president's letter of commendation and it shouldn't go beyond that otherwise we have a bigger problem in our hands. Let it be limited to sports as it is done even in the US,” noted @GbolahanObadime.

However, the dominant narrative called for balanced national policies that uplift academic brilliance alongside sporting achievement.

“If female footballers who won a tournament were rewarded with $100,000 each, then these brilliant students… should also be rewarded, not just with praises, but with cash prizes and land,” wrote academic advocate Alyasaa Ilyas.

Many recommended scholarships, local and international, national honours, and cash awards as fitting responses to such extraordinary academic success.

“These girls deserve a scholarship abroad in a UK university, cash reward… at least ₦10 million each and recognition to their schools,” posted @CarmeYusuf99485.

“Education is the backbone of any nation’s development,” added @EmmaNnaemeka001.

For now, Nigerians await whether the presidency will revisit its approach and extend a more tangible form of recognition to Nafisat, Rukayya, and Hadiza.