In a remarkable academic milestone that has ignited national pride, 17-year-old Fatima Hassan Bukar, a student from Government Girls College, Damaturu, Yobe State, has been named the World Best in English Language by the Cambridge International Education Board.
Fatima emerged top among thousands of candidates from over 100 countries who sat for the June 2025 Cambridge IGCSE English examination. Her outstanding performance not only earned her the prestigious top-in-the-world award but also brought Nigeria into the global spotlight for academic excellence.
The announcement was made on Monday by Cambridge Assessment International Education, which praised Fatima’s “exceptional command of the English language, critical reasoning, and written expression far beyond her age.”
Speaking on her achievement, Fatima expressed gratitude to her teachers, parents, and school. “This award is not just mine; it belongs to my state, my school, and every girl in Nigeria striving for a better future through education. I’m deeply honored,” she said.
Governor Mai Mala Buni of Yobe State commended Fatima’s achievement, describing her as “a shining light from the North-East” and a “symbol of hope and possibility.” He also announced a full university scholarship and a N10 million reward for her academic excellence.
Nigeria’s Minister of Education, Prof. Tahir Mamman, also praised the teenager’s accomplishment, calling it “a testament to the intellectual capabilities of young Nigerians and a call to invest more in education, especially for the girl child.”
Fatima’s achievement comes at a time when Yobe and other parts of the North-East are recovering from years of insurgency and educational setbacks. Her story is now being celebrated nationwide as an inspiring symbol of resilience and brilliance.
Cambridge’s “Top in the World” award is one of the highest academic accolades a student can receive in the international curriculum, placing Fatima among the brightest young minds globally.