Nigeria, Aug. 7 -- A chorus of criticism has erupted across Nigeria, with many taking to social media to express their disappointment with the presidency's response to the extraordinary academic achievements of three young Nigerian girls.

Nafisa Abdullahi Aminu, Rukayya Muhammad Fema, and Hadiza Kashim Kalli, who emerged as world champions at the 2025 TeenEagle Global competition in London, have been met with a congratulatory message from President Bola Tinubu, a gesture that many Nigerians consider a slap in the face.

The trio, all teenagers from Northern Nigeria, brought home an impressive haul of accolades. Nafisa, 17, was named the overall best in English language skills; Rukayya, 15, was the overall best in debate, and Hadiza clinc...