Nigeria’s reputation for academic excellence has once again taken the global stage, as 12 students from the country have been recognised as the world’s best in English at the 2024 Cambridge O’Level and IGCSE examinations.
The announcement came during the British Council Recognition and Outstanding Cambridge Learner Awards (BROCLA) 2025, held in Lagos and jointly organised by the British Council and Cambridge University Press & Assessment.
Young Scholars Making Global Marks
In the June 2024 IGCSE series, Ohimal Okoye emerged as the top performer in English as a Second Language (Count-in-Language). Later, during the November 2024 examinations, 11 others—Alvin Ebiuwhe, Amanda Enechukwu, Emmanuella Oze, Grace Sanya, Kamsiyochukwu Onochie, Kenechukwu Morayo Uba, Mercy Abilogun-Wole, Moboluwaduro Asalu, Ololade Olayinka, Tanamera Bassey, and Ifunnaya Onaga—were each named Top in the World for English as a Second Language (Speaking Endorsement).
Other Nigerian high-fliers also excelled in different subjects. Babafemi Akinyera was recognised as the world’s best in English Language at Cambridge O’Level, while Temidola Odufuye topped the global ranking in Sociology. Momoreoluwa Afolabi earned the highest score in Economics, and Kobamoye Kobe Odum was crowned global best in Agriculture.
Celebrating Nigerian Academic Culture
In total, 99 students from 44 Cambridge International schools in Nigeria received awards across categories such as Top in Nigeria, High Achievement, and Best Across.
Speaking at the event, Deep Adhikari, Regional Exams Director for Sub-Saharan Africa at the British Council, praised Nigerian families for their resilience and investment in education:
“Nothing is more important for the Nigerian parent than education. These awards are proof of the dedication, sacrifice, and strong academic culture in the country,” Adhikari noted.
He added that Nigeria remains one of the British Council’s top five education hubs globally, with many learners consistently excelling in international examinations.
Education as a Catalyst for Development
Simon Field, Deputy Head of Mission at the British Deputy High Commission in Lagos, encouraged the awardees to embrace their role as future leaders.
“Education is the foundation of creativity and innovation. It equips young people to address global challenges—from economic development to climate change,” Field said, while cautioning against the over-reliance on unverified information from online sources.
Meanwhile, Juan Visser, Regional Director of Cambridge International Education, spoke about the future of assessments. He emphasised that although digital examinations are gaining ground worldwide, paper-based tests will continue to play a crucial role in regions where access to technology is limited.
“Digital skills are essential, but education must always preserve the human element—critical thinking and the ability to make sound judgments,” Visser explained.
A Growing Legacy of Excellence
The achievements of these Nigerian learners reaffirm the country’s place as a hub of global academic talent. For many parents, teachers, and schools, the awards are not only a recognition of hard work but also a reminder that Nigeria’s young people can compete—and win—on the world stage.
EduTimes Africa, a product of Education Times Africa, is a magazine publication that aims to lend its support to close the yawning gap in Africa's educational development.