Sixteen Nigerian students have emerged among the world’s best in the 2025 June and November Cambridge examination series, winning the “Top in the World” awards.
The students were honoured at the British Council Recognition and Outstanding Cambridge Learner Awards held at the Civic Centre, Lagos, on Friday, where a total of 156 awards were presented to 118 learners from 47 schools across Nigeria for exceptional performances in Cambridge IGCSE, O Level and Cambridge International AS & A Level examinations.
The “Top in the World” award recognises learners who achieve the highest standard mark globally in a single subject.
Among the recipients were Oreoluwa Awe of Brookstone Schools for English as a Second Language (Speaking Endorsement), Anna Akerele of Meadow Hall College for Mathematics (without coursework), Denzel Granville of James Hope College, Lagos, for English as a Second Language (Count-in Speaking), and Oriel Onyia of James Hope College, Lagos, for Religious Studies.
Also recognised were 77 “Top in Nigeria” award recipients who obtained the highest standard mark in the country in individual subjects.
The winners included Oladepo Olabiyi of Lifeforte International High School for Biology, Halima Abdullahi of The Regent Secondary School, Abuja, for Accounting, Jeremiah Itchagbe of The Ambassadors Group of Schools for Additional Mathematics, and Emmanuella Ifeanyi-Mbarie of Greenoak International School for Agriculture.
Another 56 learners received High Achievement awards for outstanding performance in less commonly taken subjects.
Among them were Falisha Waqas of British International School for Accounting, Femi-Fowode Jeremiah of The Concord School, Ibadan, for Computer Science, Oluwadara John-Akinola of Lifeforte International High School for Business Studies, and Zainab Hassan of Lebanese Consulate International School, Kano, for Chemistry.
Seven learners also received Best Across awards for recording the highest cumulative standard marks across multiple subjects.
They included Anas Johari of Oxbridge Tutorial College as Best Across Four Cambridge International AS Levels, Best Isijola of Oritamefa Baptist Model School as Best Across Three Cambridge International A Levels, Imohimi Ojeaburu of Lifeforte International High School as Best Across Eight Cambridge O Levels, and Oriel Onyia of James Hope College, Lagos, as Best Across Eight Cambridge IGCSEs.
Speaking at the ceremony, the Country Director of the British Council Nigeria, Donna McGowan, said the recognition aligns with the British Council’s commitment to supporting young Nigerians in acquiring academic knowledge and future-ready skills.
“A lot of the work that the British Council does is all about helping young people develop different pathways so that they can navigate their education, gather as much learning and understanding, and become better prepared for the future,” she said.
She added that beyond examination success, Cambridge programmes equip learners with critical thinking, communication and intercultural skills required to excel in higher education and the workplace.
“Academic achievement is very important, but more than that, it is all the other skills that go with it – critical thinking, communication and being able to engage with different people across different cultures.”
Encouraging other students, she said, “Work hard, keep going and look at these wonderful students. You could be here next year or in a few years. There is so much that you can achieve with hard work, determination and resilience.”
McGowan explained that the British Council also supports partner schools through teacher professional development, leadership training for school administrators, safeguarding initiatives and capacity building on emerging issues, including artificial intelligence.
Also speaking, Regional Director for Sub-Saharan Africa, Cambridge International Education, Juan Visser, said the awards celebrate learners who have distinguished themselves on a global stage.
“The significance of these awards is to celebrate learners who have done excellent work and competed on a global stage. It is important to recognise the learners, their parents and their teachers who have all contributed to this success,” he said.
Visser noted that Nigerian students continue to record increasing success in Cambridge examinations every year.
“We see every year an increasing number, especially in Nigeria, where learners achieve results, including topping the world. The examinations they wrote are the same as those taken by learners in the United Kingdom, Italy, Dubai and South Africa. So, this is truly a global standard.”
He said the consistent performance reflects the improving quality of schools offering Cambridge programmes in Nigeria.
“The standard of schools offering the international curriculum within Nigeria continues to improve. We are very proud of Nigeria because it is showing that the country can produce learners of top quality who can compete globally.”
Speaking on the growing influence of artificial intelligence, Visser said subject knowledge remains indispensable despite technological advancements.
“These learners have deep subject knowledge and strong self-management skills. Even in the age of AI, subject knowledge remains very important because learners need to apply that knowledge in whichever field they choose.”
He added that Cambridge continues to review its curriculum to incorporate emerging global issues such as artificial intelligence and climate change while preparing learners for future careers.
Director of Examinations, British Council Nigeria, Eyitayo Akanji, attributed the students’ achievements to sustained collaboration among schools, teachers, parents and the British Council.
“Excellence does not come by mistake. It requires preparation. What we are celebrating tonight is the culmination of teacher development, school leadership support and curriculum expertise that have come together to produce these world-class scholars,” he said.
He added that the achievements demonstrate that Nigerian students can compete favourably with their peers worldwide.
“The candidates honoured tonight took the same Cambridge examinations as over one million students in more than 100 countries. Their performance shows that Nigerian learners can go toe-to-toe with any student across the world.”
Senior Manager for West Africa, Cambridge International Education, Efua Asiedu, described the Cambridge curriculum as flexible and globally recognised.
“The Cambridge programme offers students the opportunity to study a curriculum that can be used anywhere in the world, including Nigeria. Whether they choose to study locally or abroad, the qualification remains relevant.”
She commended the students, teachers, schools and parents for the outstanding results.
“I am really excited for the Nigerian students who have performed exceptionally well. It is not an easy thing to study for long hours and receive recognition as Top in Nigeria or Top in the World. It is something worth celebrating.”
One of the award recipients, Ifeoluwa Onafowokan of Greensprings School, who emerged Top in Nigeria in Business Studies, attributed the achievement to discipline, family support and dedicated teachers.
“I want to thank all my teachers, my parents and especially my Business Studies teacher for all the effort he put into helping me. I used to send him my answers for marking, and he always gave me feedback.”
She harped on the need for early preparation for such exams.
“I studied throughout the summer before my examination year. Even if you have not learnt certain topics, read ahead and familiarise yourself with them,” she said.
Another award winner, Memunat Salako of Greensprings School, who emerged Best in Biology and Chemistry, credited her success to consistent revision, personal notes, past questions and supportive teachers.
“I mostly revised using the notes I created for myself and practised with past questions. I also had really good teachers in my school, which made the process easier,” she said.
Also speaking, the Principal of Charles Dale Memorial International School, Port Harcourt, Ayotomi Fasuyi, whose student won the Top in Nigeria award for Mathematics, said the recognition reflects the school’s commitment to quality teaching.
“Knowing the fear many students have for Mathematics, this award shows we are doing something differently at Charles Dale Memorial International School. We have been at these awards several times, and we look forward to even greater achievements in the future,” she said.