By Ebunoluwa Sessou

The British Council and Cambridge International Education have celebrated Nigeria’s highest-achieving learners at the 2026 British Council Recognition and Outstanding Cambridge Learner Awards, BROCLA, recognising exceptional performances recorded in the June and November 2025 Cambridge examination series.

The awards ceremony, held in Lagos on June 19, 2026, honoured outstanding learners and schools across the country for their academic excellence and global competitiveness.

A total of 156 awards were presented to learners and schools, comprising 51 School Awardees, seven Best Across Subjects Awardees, 77 Top in the Country Awardees, 16 Top in the World Cambridge IGCSE Awardees, and 56 High Achievement Awards.

The awards recognise learners who attained the highest marks in individual subjects in Nigeria, as well as those whose performance ranked among the very best globally. The Top in the World category honours learners who achieved the highest standard marks worldwide in their respective subjects.

In addition, the High Achievement Awards were presented to learners who demonstrated exceptional performance in subjects that are less widely taken in Nigeria, ensuring that excellence across the broad spectrum of the Cambridge curriculum is acknowledged and celebrated.

Speaking at the ceremony, British Council Nigeria Country Director, Donna McGowan, congratulated the award recipients as well as their schools, teachers and families.

“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,” she said.

Cambridge International Education she noted, applies rigorous and consistent criteria in determining award recipients. Learners receive awards only when they attain the highest marks in a subject and meet the minimum grade and standard mark requirements for each award category.

According to her, this process ensures that achievements recognised under the awards scheme remain comparable across countries, subjects and qualification levels.

“The strong performance recorded by Nigerian learners in the 2025 examination series, the organisers said, demonstrates the capacity of students in the country to compete successfully on both national and international stages.

“The British Council and Cambridge International Education reiterated their commitment to supporting access to world-class education and assessment, adding that the achievements of this year’s award recipients should inspire learners across Nigeria to pursue excellence, embrace lifelong learning and realise their full potential.

“Cambridge International Education, which is part of the University of Cambridge, works with schools around the world to develop education programmes that build knowledge, understanding and skills, while equipping learners with the confidence needed to thrive and make a positive impact in an ever-changing world”, she said.

Also speaking, the Regional Director for Sub-Saharan Africa at Cambridge International Education, Juan Visser, described BROCLA as an important platform for recognising outstanding academic achievement.
“BROCLA is a celebration of excellence. It recognises learners who have worked hard and competed successfully on a global stage. It is also an opportunity to honour their parents and teachers who have supported them throughout the journey,” he said.

Visser expressed delight at the increasing number of Nigerian students attaining world-class results in Cambridge examinations.

He pointed out that Cambridge assessments are written by students across multiple countries, making the achievements of Nigerian learners even more significant.

“The same examination papers taken in Lagos, Abuja or Kano are taken by students in the United Kingdom, Italy, Dubai and South Africa. Nigerian learners have demonstrated that they can perform exceptionally well against global standards,” he said.

He further stressed the importance of investing in education, particularly at a time when technological advancements and artificial intelligence are reshaping workplaces around the world.

“Education is one of the few assets that people can carry with them regardless of circumstances. Learners need strong subject knowledge and adaptability to succeed in the future world of work,” he added.

The Director of Examinations at the British Council Nigeria, Eyitayo Akanji attributed the award recipients’ success to sustained collaboration between schools, teachers, students and the British Council.

According to him, excellence requires preparation, dedication and effective support systems.
“With over 400 partner schools in Nigeria, the British Council works closely with school leaders, teachers and students. What we are witnessing tonight is the result of that collaboration and commitment to educational excellence,” he said.

Akanji noted that the achievements of the award winners demonstrate that Nigerian students can compete successfully with their counterparts across the world.

“Candidates who took these examinations competed alongside more than one million learners in over 100 countries. Their success proves that Nigeria can produce globally competitive scholars,” he stated.
The Head of Schools Business Development for West Africa at Cambridge International Education, Efua Asiedu described the Cambridge curriculum as a flexible and globally recognised programme that enables students to pursue educational opportunities both within and outside Nigeria.

She said the curriculum caters to learners from primary through advanced levels and provides qualifications recognised worldwide.

“I am excited for the Nigerian students who have performed exceptionally well. Their achievements, alongside the contributions of their teachers, schools and parents, deserve to be celebrated,” she said.
Among the award recipients was Ifeoluwa Onafowokan, who emerged as the Best in Nigeria in Business Studies.

Expressing gratitude, she credited his success to the support of his teachers, parents and business studies instructor.

“I want to thank everyone who supported me. My teachers provided resources, feedback and encouragement throughout the process,” she said.

Although she plans to study Electrical Engineering, Onafowokan disclosed her intention to pursue a Master of Business Administration in the future.

He advised aspiring students to begin preparations early, noting that consistent study and discipline contributed significantly to his success.

Another award recipient, Maimunah Salako, who received awards in Biology and Chemistry, attributed her achievement to effective revision, extensive use of past examination papers and support from her teachers.

Currently enrolled in the International programme, she said her success was made possible by dedicated preparation and a calm approach to examinations.

Also celebrating success was the Principal of Charles Dale Memorial International School, Ayotomi Fasuyi, whose student won the Best in Nigeria award in Mathematics.

Fasuyi said the recognition reflected the school’s commitment to quality teaching and innovative approaches to learning.

“Many students fear mathematics, but this achievement shows that we are doing something differently. We are proud of our learners and look forward to even greater accomplishments in the future,” she said.
The awards ceremony brought together students, educators, parents and school leaders to celebrate academic excellence and reaffirm the role of education in shaping Nigeria’s future workforce and national development.