TheCable

Some students in Nigeria have received 157 Cambridge Learners award in various category for their outstanding performances in the 2021 June and November examination series.

The students — 110 and from 45 schools across Nigeria — were recognised for their success by the British Council in Nigeria in collaboration with the Cambridge University Press & Assessment.

The awards covered various subjects taken in Cambridge IGCSEs, Cambridge O Levels and Cambridge International AS & A Levels.

The award winners include 11 students from eight schools who obtained the highest marks in the world in subjects including sociology, information & communication technology and business studies to receive the ‘Top in the World’ honour.

Cambridge International also granted 81 ‘top in Nigeria’ awards to learners who achieved the highest standard mark in their country for a single subject; 57 ‘high achievement’ awards and 8 ‘best across’ awards to students who attained the highest cumulative total standard marks over a set number of subjects.

Speaking at the event, Vitalis Nwaogu, country manager for Cambridge University Press & Assessment Nigeria, congratulated the students, their teachers and principals for the achievements.

“Today is a special moment for our Outstanding Cambridge Learner Award winners as it is an opportunity for you to look back on your hard work and take pride in your achievements,” he said.

“It is a special moment for your families, your teachers and your schools, as they watch you receive one of the most prestigious awards available to people of your age.

“It is also a special moment for us at Cambridge International because everything that we do at Cambridge – from writing syllabuses and curriculums, to setting and marking exams, is all about this moment.

“Your qualifications will give you new opportunities. Some of those opportunities will lead you into universities, some will lead you into jobs and others may lead you to exciting new ventures yet unknown.”

Folasade Adefisayo, Lagos commissioner for education, also commended the awardees for their success.

“The awards today reflect the greatness embodied in the lives our children. We also acknowledge all the other awardees in the ‘Top in the World’ category and the partner schools that have demonstrated the Equality, Diversity and Inclusion policies,” she said.

Marniee Nottingham, director examinations, British Council Nigeria, said the purpose of the EDI award for the British Council partner school is to eliminate to the barest minimum prejudice and discrimination based on an individual or group of individuals’ protected characteristics.

“I want to use this opportunity to congratulate the winners for showcasing the evidence of building a culture of equity, diversity and inclusion in their various schools and for encouraging practical examples of how to mainstream EDI for inclusive education to address under-representation in the workplace,” she said.

In her remarks, Lucy Pearson, country director, British Council Nigeria, said rhe exams has, over the years, helped people all over the world to gain educational and professional development.

“So they are better positioned for success in life and their careers. Education is a key enabler for these opportunities, and we believe in ensuring young learners have access to world-class education and assessments which we have achieved through our partners Cambridge University Press & Assessment International Educationand the British Council Partner School,” she said.