Sixteen Nigerian students have secured international recognition after emerging among the highest-performing candidates worldwide in the 2025 June and November Cambridge examination series, earning the prestigious “Top in the World” awards.
The students were celebrated at the British Council Recognition and Outstanding Cambridge Learner Awards ceremony held at the Civic Centre in Lagos on Friday. During the event, 156 awards were presented to 118 learners from 47 schools across Nigeria in recognition of exceptional performances in Cambridge IGCSE, O Level, and Cambridge International AS & A Level examinations.
The “Top in the World” distinction is awarded to students who achieve the highest standard mark globally in a particular 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.
In addition, 77 students received “Top in Nigeria” awards for attaining the highest standard marks nationwide in individual subjects. Some of the honourees 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.
A further 56 learners were recognised with High Achievement awards for outstanding results in subjects with fewer candidates. 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 students also earned Best Across awards for achieving the highest combined standard marks across multiple subjects. The recipients 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 event, the British Council Nigeria Country Director, Donna McGowan, said the recognition reflects the organisation’s dedication to helping young Nigerians develop both academic excellence and essential life skills.
She noted that the British Council focuses on creating pathways that enable students to maximise learning opportunities and prepare effectively for future challenges.
According to her, Cambridge programmes offer more than academic success by equipping learners with critical thinking, communication, and intercultural competencies that are increasingly valuable in higher education and the workplace.
McGowan encouraged other students to remain determined and committed to their goals, stressing that hard work, resilience, and consistency can lead to similar achievements.
She further explained that the British Council supports schools through teacher training, leadership development programmes, safeguarding initiatives, and capacity-building efforts that address emerging issues such as artificial intelligence.
Also speaking, the Regional Director for Sub-Saharan Africa at Cambridge International Education, Juan Visser, described the awards as a celebration of students who have excelled on a global platform.
He emphasised that the recognition extends beyond the learners to their parents and teachers, whose contributions play a vital role in their success.
Visser observed that Nigerian students continue to achieve remarkable results in Cambridge examinations year after year, with many earning global distinctions despite competing against candidates from countries including the United Kingdom, Italy, the United Arab Emirates, and South Africa.
He attributed the achievements to the steady improvement in the quality of schools delivering Cambridge programmes in Nigeria and expressed confidence in the ability of Nigerian learners to compete successfully on the international stage.
Addressing the impact of artificial intelligence on education, Visser stressed that strong subject knowledge remains essential despite technological advancements. He noted that students need a solid academic foundation to effectively apply knowledge in their chosen careers.
He added that Cambridge International Education regularly updates its curriculum to address emerging global issues such as artificial intelligence and climate change while ensuring learners are prepared for future opportunities.
The Director of Examinations at the British Council Nigeria, Eyitayo Akanji, credited the achievements to the combined efforts of schools, teachers, parents, and the British Council.
According to him, excellence is the product of thorough preparation, quality teaching, strong school leadership, and effective curriculum delivery.
He remarked that the results demonstrate that Nigerian students are capable of competing favourably with their counterparts around the world, noting that the award recipients sat the same examinations as over one million candidates in more than 100 countries.
Senior Manager for West Africa at Cambridge International Education, Efua Asiedu, described the Cambridge curriculum as globally recognised and flexible, allowing students to pursue educational opportunities both within Nigeria and internationally.
She congratulated the students, teachers, schools, and parents for their outstanding accomplishments, describing the awards as a well-deserved recognition of dedication and hard work.
One of the award recipients, Ifeoluwa Onafowokan of Greensprings School, who emerged Top in Nigeria in Business Studies, attributed her success to discipline, family support, and the guidance of her teachers.
She encouraged students preparing for similar examinations to begin studying early and familiarise themselves with topics ahead of time.
Another award winner, Memunat Salako of Greensprings School, who excelled in Biology and Chemistry, said regular revision, self-prepared notes, practice with past examination questions, and supportive teachers contributed significantly to her success.
The Principal of Charles Dale Memorial International School, Port Harcourt, Ayotomi Fasuyi, whose student received the Top in Nigeria award for Mathematics, said the recognition reflects the school’s commitment to delivering high-quality education.
She expressed pride in the achievement and said the school looks forward to recording even greater successes in future editions of the awards.
