Top Nigerian students celebrated by British Council

The British Council in Nigeria, in collaboration with Cambridge International Examinations, has recognized and celebrated the outstanding academic accomplishments of high-achieving Nigerian students, acknowledging their hard work and dedication to excellence in their studies.

The Civic Centre on Victoria Island, Lagos, on Thursday played host to a prestigious awards ceremony where exceptional Nigerian students were feted and recognized for their academic excellence.

The awards ceremony recognized and celebrated the academic prowess of students who demonstrated exceptional performance and achieved outstanding results in the Cambridge International Education examinations held in June and November 2023.

No fewer than seven Nigerian students achieved the prestigious ‘Top in the World’ title for obtaining the highest marks globally in individual subjects.

This accolade was part of the British Council Recognition and Outstanding Cambridge Learner Awards, which recognised 95 students from 37 British Council Partner Schools for their exceptional performance.

Additionally, 71 students received ‘Top in Nigeria’ awards for their outstanding performance in various subjects, while 48 students were recognised with ‘High Achievement’ awards. Eight students received ‘Best Across’ awards for their cumulative standard marks across multiple subjects.

The Country Director of the British Council Nigeria, Lucy Pearson, highlighted the significance of these awards in promoting educational excellence.

She said, “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.”

Also, the Director Examinations, British Council Nigeria, Deep Adhikari, emphasised the importance of the Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion awards.

“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,” he stated.

In addition, the Regional Director of Cambridge International Education, Juan Visser, also praised the dedication and hard work of the awardees, expressing confidence that their Cambridge qualifications would open up numerous opportunities.

Among the students recognised with the ‘Top in the World’ title were David Oluwademilade from Brook Stone Schools, Sharon-Rose Omaghomi from Brookstone Schools, and several students from James Hope College, including Chiedo Zie Obodoechi, Chinecherem Ugwuze, Erinayo Ogunwemimo, and Onosezele Aletor. Sharon Ogbonmide Bamidele from The Ambassadors Group of Schools was also honored.

In addition to student recognitions, Greenspring School in Lekki, Lagos, was honoured for its impactful contributions to best practice policies in Equality, Diversity, Inclusion, and Child Protection, as well as its efforts in promoting upward mobility for its employees.

The Commissioner for Basic Education in Lagos State, Jamiu Alli-Balogun, who also spoke at the event, advised students to strive harder to achieve their goals and expressed appreciation for the British Council’s collaborative efforts in enhancing education in Nigeria.

“We enjoy your partnership, collaboration, and support. Not only in the education of our children but also in exposing our teachers to the latest teaching technology, which is really giving us a well-structured system,” Alli-Balogun said.

The 2024 BROCLA awards ceremony was a dual celebration, marking not only the academic excellence of Nigeria’s brightest minds but also the British Council’s 80th anniversary in the country. The milestone event was held under the inspiring theme “Amplifying the Voices of the Future,”.

The British Council’s 80-year presence in Nigeria marks a significant milestone, demonstrating the organization’s enduring dedication to promoting academic excellence, nurturing talent, and empowering generations of Nigerians.