Twelve Nigerian students have been ranked the best in the world in English out of 16 Nigerian students who were recognised as ‘Top in the World’ at the 2024 Cambridge O Level and IGCSE examinations. These students achieved the highest scores in their subjects, showing excellence at an international level.
The announcement was made on Thursday during the British Council Recognition and Outstanding Cambridge Learner Awards. The event was organised by the International Education group at Cambridge University Press & Assessment in partnership with the British Council in Lagos, Nigeria.
In the June 2024 IGCSE examinations, Ohimal Okoye was named the best student in English as a Second Language (Count-in-Language).
For the November 2024 IGCSE series, 11 Nigerian students, 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, all came out as the best in the world in English as a Second Language.
Apart from English, other Nigerian students also ranked number one globally in different subjects:
- Babafemi Akinyera – Best in English Language (Cambridge O’Level, November 2024).
- Temidola Odufuye – Best in Sociology (IGCSE, June 2024).
- Momoreoluwa Afolabi – Best in Economics (Cambridge O’Level, June 2024).
- Kobamoye Kobe Odum – Best in Agriculture (IGCSE, November 2024).
Altogether, 99 students from 44 Cambridge International Schools in Nigeria received Outstanding Cambridge Learner Awards. The awards had several categories, including Top in the World, Top in Nigeria, High Achievement, and Best Across.
During the ceremony, Deep Adhikari, Regional Exams Director for Sub-Saharan Africa at the British Council, praised Nigerian families for their dedication to education. He explained that Nigerian parents make education a top priority and that their commitment, encouragement, and sacrifices are paying off.
According to him: Education is the biggest investment Nigerian parents make for their children.
Nigerian students are showing they can compete with the best in the world.
Nigeria is one of the British Council’s top five countries globally in terms of student performance.
He concluded that these achievements are proof that Nigerian students will become future leaders.
Also speaking at the event, Simon Field, Deputy Head of Mission at the British Deputy High Commission in Lagos, reminded the students that education is more than just personal success. He explained that:
Education provides the foundation for creativity, innovation, and problem-solving.It is key to solving global challenges, including climate change.
Formal education cannot be replaced by online learning because the internet is full of misinformation.
He said that one of the biggest benefits of education is learning to think critically. Education teaches students to compare sources, filter out false information, and make wise decisions.
The Regional Director of Cambridge International Education, Juan Visser, also addressed the future of examinations. He said that while digital testing is increasing around the world, paper-based exams will still play an important role, especially in places like Sub-Saharan Africa where access to technology is limited.
Visser explained that:Cambridge will continue to offer both paper-based and digital exams.Schools are already testing mock digital examinations to prepare students.Technology is now part of everyday life and education, but critical thinking and human judgment remain the most important skills.
Nigerian students have shown outstanding performance on the world stage, especially in English, proving the strength of the country’s education system and the dedication of families, teachers, and schools. The awards also highlighted the importance of balancing technology with traditional learning and reminded students that education is not only about grades but also about preparing to solve real-world problems
