Nigeria’s education sector is celebrating a historic milestone as 99 Nigerian students have been recognised for their exceptional academic performance in the 2025 Outstanding Cambridge Learner Awards. The prestigious awards, hosted by Cambridge International in partnership with the British Council, celebrate students who achieved top results in the November 2024 and June 2025 Cambridge examinations. Notably, 16 Nigerian students emerged as “Best in the World” in their respective subjects, placing the country firmly on the global map for academic excellence.
The awards ceremony, held in Lagos, was attended by education leaders, parents, school administrators, and representatives from Cambridge International and the British Council. It was a moment of pride for both the awardees and the nation, as it highlighted Nigeria’s ability to produce world-class scholars who can compete at the highest levels of international education.
Celebrating Nigeria’s Brightest Minds
The Outstanding Cambridge Learner Awards are highly competitive, recognising only the very best students who have achieved the highest marks in their subjects among all candidates worldwide. Nigeria’s impressive showing in this year’s awards demonstrates the resilience, talent, and determination of its students, despite the challenges facing the education sector.
One of the standout achievers is Kenechukwu Oluwanifemi Uba, a student of Caleb British International School in Lagos. She was declared “Top in the World” in the Cambridge IGCSE English as a Second Language (Speaking Endorsement) examination, a remarkable feat that has earned her widespread celebration. Speaking after receiving her award, Kenechukwu expressed gratitude to her teachers, classmates, and family, attributing her success to their unwavering support.
“Preparing for the speaking endorsement in our state-of-the-art language lab sharpened my confidence. This recognition belongs to my mentors, my peers, and my family, who encouraged me every step of the way,” she said.
Her story represents the dedication of countless students across Nigeria who, despite systemic challenges, continue to excel through hard work and support from their schools.
The Role of Cambridge International and the British Council
Speaking at the awards ceremony, Deep Adhikari, Regional Exams Director for Sub-Saharan Africa at the British Council, emphasised that the awards not only celebrate individual excellence but also demonstrate Nigeria’s growing reputation for quality education. He noted that Nigerian schools and students are playing an important role in shaping global academic standards.
Eyitayo Akanji, Director of Examinations for the British Council in Nigeria, echoed this sentiment, highlighting how these achievements open doors for Nigerian students to access scholarships and world-class universities across the globe.
Cambridge International’s Regional Director, Juan Visser, also revealed that the organisation is piloting digital examinations in selected regions, a move that will modernise assessments and create greater flexibility for schools. While paper-based exams will remain an option in areas with limited digital infrastructure, this innovation represents a significant step forward for global education systems, including Nigeria’s.
How Schools Are Making a Difference
The success of Nigerian students in these awards also reflects the dedication of schools that are committed to providing world-class education. Schools like Caleb British International School have invested heavily in innovative teaching tools, such as AI-driven learning platforms, flipped classrooms, and high-tech language labs, to ensure their students are well-prepared for international assessments.
Dr. Oladega Adebogun, CEO of Caleb Group of Schools, praised Kenechukwu and her peers for their outstanding performance, attributing their success to a strong culture of discipline, creativity, and perseverance. He called for increased government and private-sector support to help Nigerian schools continue to compete globally.
Why This Achievement Matters
Nigeria’s success at the 2025 Cambridge Outstanding Learner Awards is not just about numbers—it is a powerful reminder of the untapped potential within the country’s youth. At a time when Nigeria is grappling with challenges such as economic instability, insecurity, and gaps in education infrastructure, stories like these provide hope and inspiration.
This recognition proves that with access to quality education, Nigerian students can achieve greatness and compete with their peers anywhere in the world. It also underscores the importance of investing in teachers, modern teaching tools, and robust academic systems to nurture the next generation of leaders, innovators, and problem-solvers.
The Bigger Picture: Education as a Catalyst for Change
As Nigeria celebrates these outstanding learners, education stakeholders are reminded of the urgent need to scale this success across the nation. While private schools often have the resources to prepare students for international exams, many public schools lack adequate facilities. Expanding access to quality education and embracing digital learning tools could bridge this gap.
The collaboration between the British Council, Cambridge International, and over 400 Nigerian schools shows that global partnerships are key to transforming education in Nigeria. Initiatives like these not only raise academic standards but also create opportunities for Nigerian students to access scholarships, internships, and leadership roles on the world stage.
A New Era of Hope
The achievements of these 99 students are a testament to what is possible when talent meets opportunity. They have become ambassadors of Nigeria’s educational potential, inspiring millions of students to aim higher and believe in their abilities.
As Nigeria continues to battle socio-economic challenges, these young scholars serve as a beacon of hope, proving that education remains the most powerful tool for national transformation. Their success should inspire policymakers, educators, and parents to invest more in education and create an environment where excellence is not the exception but the norm.
The 2025 Cambridge Outstanding Learner Awards have not only put Nigeria on the global stage but have also sent a strong message: with determination, innovation, and support, the country’s students are capable of changing the world.
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