Alausa Clarifies Donation to Teeneagle Winners, Says It’s Personal Gift

Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja

The Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa, yesterday clarified that the recent gift presented to the winners of the TeenEagle 2024/2025 Global Competition in the United Kingdom was not from the federal government, but from his personal pocket.

In a statement signed by the Director, Press and Public Relations in the ministry, Boriowo Folasade, the minister noted that the token handed down to the girls was not from the government since it has no budget for such expenses.

THISDAY learnt that the reaction may not be unconnected with the response of Nigeria’s online community to the gift, which they insisted was too meagre compared to donations to football and basketball stars, among others.

Three teenage girls, Nafisa Abdullahi Aminu, Rukayya Muhammad Fema, and Hadiza Kashim Kalli emerged champions in the global English-language contest, and were said to have defeated thousands of competitors from across the world. But when news broke that each was handed just N200,000 as a reward, it drew the attention of Nigerians on social media.

“The attention of the Federal Ministry of Education has been drawn to misinformation circulating on social media regarding the monetary gifts presented to the eight Nigerian winners of the TeenEagle 2024/2025 Global Competition in the United Kingdom.

“For the avoidance of doubt, the ministry wishes to state categorically that the monetary tokens presented at the national recognition event held on Thursday, 28th August 2025, were personal gifts from the Honourable Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Tunji Alausa. These gifts were not funded by the Federal Government or the Federal Ministry of Education.

“This fact was clearly announced during the event and further reiterated by the Honourable Minister on his verified social media handle. Any claims suggesting otherwise are false and misleading,” the statement noted.

Alausa emphasised that the gift was just a token of his appreciation of the effort made by the young girls and to also serve as encouragement to other girls and young children in Nigeria to excel.

He highlighted that the Federal Ministry of Education does not have any budgetary allocation for cash awards or monetary gifts, explaining that the ministry’s financial provisions are strictly dedicated to scholarships and structured educational support, in line with government policy.

According to the minister, this is only available to students entering or currently studying at Nigeria’s public tertiary institutions universities, colleges of education and polytechnics.

The statement noted that the minister’s gesture should therefore be understood for what it is, which is a personal act of generosity and encouragement, intended to celebrate the achievements of the young girls and inspire other Nigerian children to reach greater heights.

“The Federal Ministry of Education remains committed to recognising excellence, building a robust and globally competitive education system, and delivering on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s vision of education as the cornerstone of national development. Every Nigerian child deserves access to world-class learning opportunities, and this remains our unwavering priority.

“This clarification should lay to rest any misinformation as we continue to encourage all Nigerian children to pursue excellence and reach the highest levels of academic achievement” the statement added.

The post Alausa Clarifies Donation to Teeneagle Winners, Says It’s Personal Gift appeared first on THISDAYLIVE.

​  

  • Related Posts

    BREAKING: Kwara Youths Storm Etsu Tsaragi Palace, Protest Insecurity, Demand Fulani Settlers Leave

    The protesters demanded that Fulani settlers vacate Tsaragi land and urged the Etsu to convey their grievances to Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, whom they accused of failing to protect communities in…

    Kwara South National Assembly Members Have Failed Their Constituents, Say Stakeholders

    Kwara South National Assembly Members Have Failed Their Constituents, Say Stakeholders

    Hammed Shittu in Ilorin

    Political leaders and stakeholders in Kwara South Senatorial District of Kwara state have passed a vote of no confidence in federal lawmakers representing the zone at the National Assembly.

    They accused them of failing to make meaningful impact on their constituencies since assuming office.

    A resolution issued in Ilorin after the strategic consultation with the theme, “Reawakening the Giant,” the leaders under the aegis of the Kwara South Development Initiative (KSDI), expressed concern over the lack of dividends of democracy to the people of Kwara South Senatorial District since the election of members of the House of Representatives and House of Senate.

    Speakers at the meeting lamented what they described as years of poor representation at the National Assembly, insisting that the stunted growth of the district could be traced to the neglect of its federal legislators.

    Speaking on behalf of traditional rulers, the Olupo of Ajase-Ipo, Oba Mohammed Bolaji Alebiosu, said the lawmakers had shown no genuine interest in the welfare of their people.

    He declared that none of the legislators had ploughed back into the zone since their election, adding that communities were often abandoned whenever they sought their support.

    “Can anyone see the impact of any member of the National Assembly representing us?” the monarch asked.

    “They have failed to touch the lives of their constituents. If you invite them for religious or community development purposes, they will not show up.

    “We have not benefited anything from them, and the truth must be told. But when they come back during campaigns, we will pay them back in their own coin”, he added.

    Oba Alebiosu further urged the electorate ahead of 2027 to collect whatever incentives politicians offer but ensure they vote for credible candidates.

    Convener of the KSDI, Dr. Johnson Adewumi, also faulted the record of political representation in the district since 1999, describing it as “weak and ineffective.”

    He said despite producing five senators and several House of Representatives members, the region had no tangible project to show.

    “Our citizens have chaired several committees in both chambers, yet there is nothing of value in the entire Kwara South.

    “This is unacceptable. If those we send to represent us will not change, then we must change ourselves,” he said.

    Adewumi noted further that the summit was aimed at rekindling patriotism, tackling insecurity, and promoting sustainable development in the zone.

    He stressed that government alone cannot solve all problems, hence the need for collective action.

    In his remark, a member, Board of Trustees of TETFUND representing North Central, Engineer Nurudeen Adeyemi, commended the convener for the initiative, saying it’s a form of reawakening the spirit of community development in Kwara South.

    Also speaking at the event, the State Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Prince Sunday Fagbemi, admitted that the performance of the lawmakers was below expectation.

    He assured that the party would no longer present non-performing candidates for elective positions.

    “Anybody without good intentions for Kwara will not be allowed to occupy elective office again.

    “APC will critically vet the antecedents of all aspirants. I know the governor will not impose any candidate on us,” Fagbemi said.

    ​  

    Hammed Shittu in Ilorin Political leaders and stakeholders in Kwara South Senatorial District of Kwara state have passed a vote of no confidence in federal lawmakers representing the zone at

    Leave a Reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

    Business & Economy

    Barcelona’s shrinking salary limit signals more trouble ahead for transfers 

    Lagos state govt seals illegal reclamation sites in Lekki, arrests five suspects 

    Non-Interest Banking: 20 innovative startups compete for ₦5mn grant

    Non-Interest Banking: 20 innovative startups compete for ₦5mn grant

    AfDB pledges funding for Nigeria’s SAPZ expansion to 24 states

    Dangote Refinery: PENGASSAN declares nationwide strike over workers’ sack

    Eunisell pretax profit rises by 79% in 2025 as oil revenue surpasses N1 billion

    Nigeria Customs launches One-Stop-Shop to cut clearance time to 48 hours

    Scammers using AI to fake celebrity endorsements – SEC Warns 

    NCAA considers China’s COMAC C919 aircraft for domestic airlines 

    NDLEA nabs two drug kingpins with cocaine, heroin, meth in Lagos

    25% CGT on share sale gains if reinvested in fixed income 

    Business owners speak as Abuja International Trade Fair commences

    Business owners speak as Abuja International Trade Fair commences

    Don Jazzy says artist activation costs $100K-$300K in Mavin Records 

    Reps wade into Dangote, PENGASSAN crisis

    Reps wade into Dangote, PENGASSAN crisis

    EU launches €545 million initiative to boost clean energy in Africa

    Top 10 Markets where Lagosians shop for cheap household items 

    Petroleum Tanker Drivers attack PENGASSAN over feud with Dangote Refinery

    Petroleum Tanker Drivers attack PENGASSAN over feud with Dangote Refinery

    NRC to resume Abuja–Kaduna train service after track repairs at Asham 

    Nigeria secures re-election into ICAO Council for 2025–2028 term 

    Abuja–Kaduna train services to resume next week — NRC

    Abuja–Kaduna train services to resume next week — NRC

    CBN’s First Rate Cut Since COVID Tests Fragile Stability

    Ossiomo Power and the Politics of Edo

    Dangote Refinery resumes PMS sales in naira

    JUST IN: Dangote Refinery announces resumption of petrol sales in Naira

    JUST IN: Dangote Refinery announces resumption of petrol sales in Naira

    Capital Gains Tax will boost investors’ confidence – Taiwo Oyedele  

    Africa Food Prize: IITA celebrates Nigerian scientist’s breakthrough in cassava, yam innovation

    Africa Food Prize: IITA celebrates Nigerian scientist’s breakthrough in cassava, yam innovation

    Dangote responds as PENGASSAN threatens major disruption of refinery

    Dangote responds as PENGASSAN threatens major disruption of refinery

    PenCom expands investment options, caps corporate exposure at 25%

    PenCom expands investment options, caps corporate exposure at 25%

    Dangote Refinery rejects PENGASSAN move to halt gas supply

    Visa restriction lifted: U.S. restores Ghana visa validity to 5 years 

    Top 10 African cities with highest number of luxury hotel projects  

    Unity Bank says existing shareholder bought AMCON’s 34% stake

    Airtel, MTN push Nigeria’s mobile subscriptions to 171.3 million in August

    PENGASSAN orders halt of gas supply to Dangote Refinery

    Top Electric Vehicle Companies assembling in Nigeria and their owners

    Best performing Nigerian stocks for the week