At a time when conversations about Nigeria’s education system often focus on overcrowded classrooms, funding challenges and declining standards, a group of young Nigerians is reminding the world that excellence can still thrive in the midst of adversity.
Sixteen Nigerian students have emerged among the world’s best performers in the 2025 June and November Cambridge examination series, earning the prestigious “Top in the World” awards and placing themselves among the highest-achieving learners globally.
The students were honoured at the British Council Recognition and Outstanding Cambridge Learner Awards held at the Civic Centre, Lagos, where 156 awards were presented to 118 learners from 47 schools across Nigeria.
The “Top in the World” award recognises students who achieve the highest standard mark globally in a single subject, placing them ahead of candidates from more than 100 countries that participate in the Cambridge examinations.
Among the Nigerian 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.
Their success formed part of a wider celebration of academic excellence by Nigerian students.
A total of 77 learners received “Top in Nigeria” awards for recording 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 were recognised with High Achievement awards for exceptional performances 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, Country Director of the British Council Nigeria, Donna McGowan, said the recognition aligns with the organisation’s commitment to helping young people acquire 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.
McGowan stressed that academic excellence goes beyond examination scores.
“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.”
She encouraged other students to remain focused on their goals.
“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,” she said.
Regional Director for Sub-Saharan Africa at Cambridge International Education, Juan Visser, described the awards as recognition of students 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.
“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.
He added that the achievements reflect 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.”
Director of Examinations, British Council Nigeria, Eyitayo Akanji, attributed the 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.
The students themselves also shared insights into what helped them succeed.
Ifeoluwa Onafowokan of Greensprings School, who emerged Top in Nigeria in Business Studies, credited her achievement to discipline, family support and dedicated teachers.
“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 advised.
Memunat Salako of Greensprings School, who emerged Best in Biology and Chemistry, said consistent revision, personal notes and practising past questions played a key role in her success.
“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.
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