British Council, Cambridge present award to 118 students from 47 schools

The International Education group at Cambridge University Press and Assessment (Cambridge), in partnership with the British Council, celebrated Nigeria’s top-performing students at the British Council Recognition and Outstanding Cambridge Learner awards.

The awards held recently in Lagos, accorded recognition to learners across more than 40 countries who achieve academic excellence in Cambridge IGCSE, O Level and Cambridge International AS & A Level examinations.

The Regional Director, Sub-Saharan Africa, International Education at Cambridge, Juan Visser, said, “Our Cambridge learners in Nigeria have once again demonstrated exceptional dedication and excellence through their outstanding examination results.

“We are extremely proud of their achievements, which reflect the ethos of Cambridge schools worldwide. With the support of educators, school leaders and parents, we are providing an education to equip young people with the knowledge, skills and confidence needed beyond the school environment into all spheres of life.”

The British Council Nigeria Country Director, Donna McGowan congratulated the recipients and their schools, teachers, and families, adding, “today, we celebrate not only exceptional academic achievement but also the resilience, determination, and ambition demonstrated by these learners.

“Their success reflects the dedication of educators, parents, and school leaders who continue to nurture excellence and prepare young people with the skills, knowledge, and confidence to thrive in a globalised world.”

British Deputy High Commissioner, Jonny Baxter, Lagos, Nigeria, commended the awardees, and the organisers of the British Council, in partnership with Cambridge International Education, for creating a platform that acknowledges excellence, and encouraged collaboration across the education sector.

“The United Kingdom and Nigeria share a deep and enduring partnership, which is built on mutual respect, on shared values, and on a commitment to creating opportunities for future generations.

“And education has always been one of the strongest, if not the strongest pillar in that relationship,” he said.

The Director Examinations at British Council Nigeria, Eyitayo Akanji, said, “With over 400 partner schools in Nigeria, the British Council works closely with school leaders, teachers and students, and what we’re seeing tonight is a culmination of that cooperation and partnership, ensuring teacher, schools development and curriculum expertise takes place.”

The Territory Manager at Cambridge, Port Harcourt, Nigeria, Kanto Adesina, disclosed that the Cambridge Pathway, which is from primary to the advanced level, has been built in such a way that it inspires critical thinking, resilience, resourcefulness, and modern day world relevant issues, and to rewards students who have worked very hard, and excelled.

Ifeoluwa Onafowokan, one of the awardees, expressed her delight to emerge as one of the best candidates, stating, “I’m very happy that I’ve received this award. I just want to say thank you to all my teachers, my parents and my business teacher, because I got the award for business studies.

“I want to thank him for all the effort that he put into helping us, all the resources he gave us,” she noted.

Speaking about her future ambitions, Onafowokan said, “I’m going to study electrical engineering but I do plan on getting an MBA afterwards and going into business.”

This year, 118 learners from 47 Cambridge International Schools in the country achieved exceptional results across 44 subjects in the June and November 2025 examination series.

Among the recipients, 16 ‘Top in the World’ awards were awarded to students who achieved the highest standard mark globally in a single subject.

Other awards presented include 77 ‘Top in Nigeria’ awards, commending learners who achieved the highest standard mark in the country for a single subject, 56 ‘High Achievement’ awards, acknowledging learners who accomplished outstanding results in less commonly taken subjects.

Besides the seven ‘best across’ awards, given to students who attained the highest cumulative total standard marks over a set number of subjects.

The Outstanding Cambridge Learner awards form part of Cambridge’s broader commitment to recognising and celebrating student success, while supporting schools to raise the profile of academic achievement within their communities.

Many Cambridge students’ progress to tertiary studies at both local and international higher education institutions, a testament to the value and global recognition of Cambridge qualifications.