By Twelve Nigerian students have been recognised globally as the best in English among the 16 students in Nigeria honoured as ‘Top in the World’ at the 2024 Cambridge O Level and IGCSE examinations, achieving the highest standard in a single subject.
The announcement was made on Thursday at the British Council Recognition and Outstanding Cambridge Learner Awards, hosted by the International Education group at Cambridge University Press & Assessment in partnership with the British Council in Lagos.
In the 2024 IGCSE June examination series, Ohimal Okoye was named best in English as a Second Language (Count-in-Language). For the IGCSE November series, 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 recognised as global best in English as a Second Language (Speaking Endorsement).
Other Nigerians ranked ‘Top in the World’ include Babafemi Akinyera, best in English Language for Cambridge O’Level November 2024; Temidola Odufuye, best in Sociology for IGCSE June 2024; Momoreoluwa Afolabi, best in Economics for Cambridge O’Level June 2024; and Kobamoye Kobe Odum, best in Agriculture for IGCSE November 2024.
A total of 99 learners from 44 Cambridge International Schools across Nigeria received Outstanding Cambridge Learner Awards at the ceremony, which also recognised winners in the ‘Top in Nigeria,’ ‘High Achievement,’ and ‘Best Across’ categories.
During the award ceremony, Deep Adhikari, Regional Exams Director for Sub-Saharan Africa at the British Council, commended Nigerian families for their commitment to education, highlighting the country’s strong academic culture. He said the awards reflect the investments, encouragement, and resources Nigerian families provide for their children, who will become future leaders of the country.
Simon Field, Deputy Head of Mission at the British Deputy High Commission in Lagos, stressed the role of education in human and national development, describing it as a foundation for creativity and economic growth. He cautioned against relying solely on online learning and misinformation on social media, noting the continuing excellence of Nigerian students globally.
Adhikari also highlighted the British Council’s support for school leaders, teachers, and learners through training programs, leadership development, competitions, and awards. Field emphasized the importance of critical thinking and evaluating information from multiple sources.
Juan Visser, Regional Director of Cambridge International Education, discussed the future of Cambridge examinations, noting a balance between digital and paper-based formats, particularly in regions with limited technology access like Nigeria. He said digital testing will expand, but paper-based exams will remain available, with mock digital exams currently being conducted.
Visser underscored that while technology is now inseparable from education and work, learners must retain critical thinking skills to ensure the human element in learning is preserved.
