Lagos, Nigeria — A total of 156 Nigerian students have been recognised for outstanding academic performance in the 2025 Cambridge examination series by the International Education group of Cambridge University Press & Assessment in partnership with the British Council.
The awards ceremony, held at the Civic Centre, Victoria Island, Lagos, on Friday night, celebrated exceptional learners from 47 schools across Nigeria who excelled in Cambridge IGCSE O-Level and Cambridge International AS & A-Level examinations across 44 subjects.
16 Nigerian Students Rank Top in the World
A major highlight of the ceremony was the recognition of 16 Nigerian students who received the prestigious Top in the World Award for achieving the highest scores globally in their respective subjects.
In addition, 77 students received Top in Nigeria awards, 56 earned High Achievement awards, while seven were recognised for Best Across performance categories.
The awards also formed part of a global recognition programme covering outstanding candidates from over 40 countries.
Cambridge and British Council Commend Excellence
Speaking at the event, Regional Director for Sub-Saharan Africa at Cambridge International Education, Mr Juan Visser, said the awards reflect sustained excellence among learners and the global standards upheld by Cambridge qualifications.
“We are proud of these learners whose outstanding results reflect dedication, resilience and excellence,” Visser said, noting that the awards are designed to formally recognise exceptional academic achievement.
He added that qualifications offered by University of Cambridge continue to open pathways to higher education opportunities worldwide.
Similarly, British Council Nigeria Country Director, Mrs Donna McGowan, praised the students, teachers, and parents for their collective role in shaping academic success.
“These awards celebrate exceptional achievements, resilience and ambition,” she said.
Nigerian Students Prove Global Competitiveness
Director of Examinations at the British Council Nigeria, Mr Eyitayo Akanji, noted that the performance of the 156 awardees demonstrates the global competitiveness of Nigerian students, despite sitting alongside about one million candidates worldwide.
“Our schools continue to nurture world-class scholars whose excellence earns international recognition and respect,” he said.
Students, Parents Celebrate Achievement
One of the top performers, Miss Ifeoluwa Onafowokan of Greensprings School, who emerged Top in Nigeria in Business Studies, dedicated her success to her teachers and parents.
Another awardee, Miss Memunat Salako, also of Greensprings School, who excelled in Biology and Chemistry, attributed her achievement to disciplined study habits, consistent revision, and strong teacher support.
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A parent of one of the awardees, Mrs Ayoola Iwayemi, expressed pride in her daughter’s academic journey, noting her structured study routine and dedication, which also earned her a scholarship to study Computer Engineering at the University of Manchester.
Critical Point
The recognition of 156 Nigerian students—particularly the 16 who achieved the highest global distinction—highlights Nigeria’s growing academic competitiveness on the international stage, reinforcing confidence in the country’s education system and its ability to produce globally outstanding learners.
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