Sixteen Nigerian students have been ranked among the world’s best in the 2025 June and November Cambridge examination series, earning the prestigious “Top in the World” awards for outstanding academic performance.

The students were recognised at the British Council Recognition and Outstanding Cambridge Learner Awards held on Friday at the Civic Centre, Lagos.

A total of 156 awards were presented to 118 learners from 47 schools across Nigeria for exceptional results in Cambridge IGCSE, O Level, and Cambridge International AS & A Level examinations.

The “Top in the World” category is awarded to learners who achieve the highest standard mark globally in a single subject.

Among the honourees 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.

Also recognised were 77 “Top in Nigeria” award recipients who recorded the highest standard marks nationally in individual subjects. Among them were 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.

In addition, 56 learners received High Achievement awards for outstanding performance in less commonly taken subjects. Recipients included 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 were also honoured with Best Across awards for achieving the highest cumulative standard marks across multiple subjects. They include 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, the Country Director of the British Council Nigeria, Donna McGowan, said the recognition aligns with the organisation’s mission of supporting young Nigerians to 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.

She further noted that Cambridge programmes go beyond academic excellence, equipping learners with essential skills for higher education and the workplace.

“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.”

Encouraging other students, she added, “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.”

McGowan also explained that the British Council supports partner schools through teacher training, leadership development, safeguarding initiatives, and capacity building in emerging areas such as artificial intelligence.

Regional Director for Sub-Saharan Africa at Cambridge International Education, Juan Visser, said the awards celebrate learners who have distinguished themselves globally.

“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 added that Nigerian students continue to record improved performance in Cambridge examinations yearly.

“We see every year an increasing number, especially in Nigeria, where learners achieve results, including topping the world. 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 noted that the growing success reflects improved teaching standards in schools offering the Cambridge curriculum 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.”

On the role of artificial intelligence, Visser stressed that subject knowledge remains essential despite technological advancement.

“These learners have deep subject knowledge and strong self-management skills. Even in the age of AI, subject knowledge remains very important because learners need to apply that knowledge in whichever field they choose.”

He added that Cambridge continues to update its curriculum to include emerging global issues such as AI and climate change.

Director of Examinations at the British Council Nigeria, Eyitayo Akanji, attributed the success of the students to strong collaboration among schools, teachers, parents, and the 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.

He added that Nigerian students are competitive on a global scale.

“The candidates honoured tonight took the same Cambridge examinations as over one million students in more than 100 countries. Their performance shows that Nigerian learners can go toe-to-toe with any student across the world.”

Senior Manager for West Africa at Cambridge International Education, Efua Asiedu, described the Cambridge curriculum as globally flexible and recognised.

“The Cambridge programme offers students the opportunity to study a curriculum that can be used anywhere in the world, including Nigeria. Whether they choose to study locally or abroad, the qualification remains relevant.”

She commended the students, teachers, schools, and parents for the outstanding results.

“I am really excited for the Nigerian students who have performed exceptionally well. It is not an easy thing to study for long hours and receive recognition as Top in Nigeria or Top in the World. It is something worth celebrating.”

One of the award recipients, Ifeoluwa Onafowokan of Greensprings School, who emerged Top in Nigeria in Business Studies, credited her success to discipline, parental support, and dedicated teachers.

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“I want to thank all my teachers, my parents and especially my Business Studies teacher for all the effort he put into helping me. I used to send him my answers for marking, and he always gave me feedback.”

She advised students to begin preparation early, adding:

“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 said.

Another award winner, Memunat Salako of Greensprings School, who excelled in Biology and Chemistry, said her success came through consistent revision and support from teachers.

“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.

Also speaking, the Principal of Charles Dale Memorial International School, Port Harcourt, Ayotomi Fasuyi, whose student won the Top in Nigeria award for Mathematics, said the achievement reflects the school’s commitment to quality teaching.

“Knowing the fear many students have for Mathematics, this award shows we are doing something differently at Charles Dale Memorial International School. We have been at these awards several times, and we look forward to even greater achievements in the future,” he said.

Here are 16 Nigerians students emerge among the world’s best in Cambridge exams:

1. Top in the World Award Winners

• Oreoluwa Awe (Brookstone Schools, Rivers State)

• Anna Akerele (Meadow Hall College, Lagos State)

• Denzel Granville (James Hope College, Lagos State)

• Oriel Onyia (James Hope College, Lagos State)

2. Top in Nigeria Award Winners

• Oladepo Olabiyi (Lifeforte International High School, Oyo State)

• Halima Abdullahi (The Regent Secondary School, Abuja FCT)

• Jeremiah Itchagbe (The Ambassadors Group of Schools, State not specified in report)

• Emmanuella Ifeanyi-Mbarie (Greenoak International School, Rivers State)

3. High Achievement Award Winners

• Falisha Waqas (British International School, Lagos State)

• Femi-Fowode Jeremiah (The Concord School, Ibadan, Oyo State)

• Oluwadara John-Akinola (Lifeforte International High School, Oyo State)

• Zainab Hassan (Lebanese Consulate International School, Kano State)

4. Best Across Award Winners

• Anas Johari (Oxbridge Tutorial College, State not specified in report)

• Best Isijola (Oritamefa Baptist Model School, Oyo State)

• Imohimi Ojeaburu (Lifeforte International High School, Oyo State)

• Oriel Onyia (James Hope College, Lagos State)

5. Other Award Recipients Mentioned

• Ifeoluwa Onafowokan (Greensprings School, Lagos State)

• Memunat Salako (Greensprings School, Lagos State)