A 16-year-old Nigerian student, Naomi Olayinka, has been recognised as the best candidate globally in English as a Second Language at the 2024 Cambridge International General Certificate of Secondary Education examinations.
The Chrisland Schools pupil achieved the remarkable feat in the June 2024 IGCSE examinations, earning recognition from Cambridge Assessment International Education for her outstanding performance.
Speaking on Monday, Olayinka said the achievement felt unreal when she first received the news.
“Honestly, I was completely speechless at first. It didn’t even sink in right away,” she said. “When I finally realised what it meant, I just felt so grateful to God, to my teachers, my parents, and everyone who supported me. It was such a surreal moment, and all I could think about was how the hard work had really paid off.”
Olayinka’s achievement continues a tradition of excellence at Chrisland Schools. In 2023, another alumna of the school, Mmesomachukwu Okonkwo, secured the same Top in the World recognition in English.
The teenager said she felt honoured to follow in those footsteps.
“It feels amazing to be part of such a proud legacy. Chrisland has always inspired us to aim for excellence, and knowing that others before me achieved this gave me confidence that it was possible too,” she said. “I feel honoured to continue that tradition, and I hope my success encourages others as well.”
Olayinka attributed her passion for English to the subject’s ability to foster human connection.
“I have always loved how English allows people to express their thoughts and emotions so beautifully,” she said. “I believe it is a way of thinking and connecting with people.”
Her preparation strategy combined rigorous academic practice with extensive reading for pleasure.
“I set aside time every day to read, write essays, and review past questions,” she explained. “I also made sure to read novels, articles, and newspapers to expand my vocabulary and understanding.”
However, the journey presented significant challenges. Olayinka said there were moments when balancing multiple subjects and responsibilities felt overwhelming.
“Sometimes I doubted myself, too. But I learned to take things one step at a time and reminded myself to trust the process,” she said. “My parents and teachers encouraged me constantly, and prayer gave me strength when I felt tired or unsure.”
As Assembly Prefect at her school, Olayinka said she developed leadership and time management skills that supported her academic pursuits.
Mrs Ayoola Akinyeye, Director of Schools at Chrisland Schools Limited, said Olayinka’s success demonstrated the institution’s commitment to producing globally competitive students.
“At Chrisland, excellence is not an exception—it’s our default,” Akinyeye said. “Every year, we present hundreds of students for national and international examinations, and a remarkable number consistently achieve distinctions and awards that place them among the best in the world.”
She noted that whilst the Top in the World category could only accommodate one student, the school’s consistent production of high-achieving candidates across large numbers remained its true distinction.
Dr Olajide Onigbogi, Executive Head of Schools (Communications) and Regional Head of Abuja and VGC Schools, described the achievement as a product of deliberate institutional culture.
“Excellence at Chrisland isn’t accidental but intentional,” Onigbogi said. “It’s the product of discipline, professionalism, and love for learning, woven into the very fabric of our system.”
The Cambridge IGCSE is an internationally recognised qualification for students typically aged 14 to 16, offered by Cambridge Assessment International Education.
