British Council honours Nigerian students for receiving highest marks in Cambridge exams

The British Council in Nigeria, in collaboration with Cambridge International Examinations, on Thursday, awarded some Nigerian students for their outstanding performances in the June and November 2023 Cambridge International Education examination series.

The students, who are from various British council partner schools across Nigeria, were awarded the British Council Recognition and Outstanding Cambridge Learner Awards (BROCLA) for their performances.

Ninety-five students from 37 British Council partner schools obtained the highest marks in subjects such as sociology, information and communication technology, and business studies.

Seven students from three schools earned  the ‘Top in the World’ honour — an award for students who obtained the highest marks in the world in a subject.

Additionally, 71 students received the ‘Top in Nigeria’ awards for achieving the highest standard mark in the country for individual subjects; 48 students were honoured with the ‘high achievement’ awards; and eight ‘best across’ awards were given to students with the highest cummulative standard marks across multiple subjects.

The Greenspring School, Lekki, Lagos was honoured for its “impactful contributions” to best practice policies in equality, inclusion and child protection, and its efforts “in promoting upward mobility for its employees”.

Speaking at the event which was held at the Civic Centre, Victoria Island in Lagos, Lucy Pearson, country director of British Council Nigeria, said the ceremony was to celebrate outstanding learners and the council’s collaboration with Cambridge International Education.

“Our work with British Council partner schools in delivering UK assessments and qualifications in Nigeria has been instrumental in helping individuals gain educational and professional development, positioning them for success in life and careers,” Pearson said.

“We believe in providing young learners with access to world-class education and assessments.”

Also speaking, Deep Adhikari, director of examinations, British Council Nigeria, emphasised the importance of EDI award, saying the goal is to minimise prejudice and discrimination “based on protected characteristics”.

“I congratulate the recipients for fostering a culture of equity, diversity and inclusion in their schools and for showcasing practical ways to integrate EDI into inclusive education,” Adhikari said.

Juan Visser, regional director of Cambridge International Education, said the awards recognised the talent and commitment of both learners and staff.

He commended the students for working hard to achieve tremendous success in the Cambridge exams.

“With the education you have from Cambridge and from your schools, nothing can get in the way of you achieving your dreams,” he said.

“Your Cambridge qualifications will no doubt open you to a world of opportunities. With an education that is trusted, recognised and truly International, you are all ready to make a positive impact in the world.”

Visser added that the academic feats reflect the quality of education in Nigeria.

“I am really amazed that Nigerian learners have been able to perform at the same level as many other countries,” Visser said.

“They have done this year in and year out, so I am very proud that they have been able to achieve this. Well done Nigeria.

“Today’s event has been fantastic, to see so many learners, schools achieve this results. It points to the high standard of education within Nigeria. I am proud of the learners and absolutely delighted.”

On his part, Chikodie Onyemerela, director of programmes, British Council Nigeria, described the event as an avenue to celebrate excellence.

He said the event was also to encourage outstanding students and to spur others “to aim for higher grounds”.

In his remarks, Tolani Alli-Balogun, commissioner for basic and secondary education in the Lagos ministry of education, congratulated the awardees, saying the sky is their limit.

“You can be there when you work harder. Education is about your ability to ignite that passion in you for your own benefits, for your family, and the country,” he said.

“I will encourage you to strive harder to be whatever you want to be.”