…..In 2024 IGCSE
A 16-year-old Naomi Olayinka of Chrisland High School Ikeja, Lagos has emerged the best in the Cambridge IGCSE world examination.
For this feat, Miss Olayinka was awarded the British Council Outstanding Cambridge Learners Award for emerging top in the World in English as a Second Language (Speaking Endorsement) at the 2024 Cambridge IGCSE.
Following in the footsteps of a 2023 alumnus, Mmesomachukwu Okonkwo of Chrisland High School VGC, who had earlier achieved the same global recognition.
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According to the management, Olayinka’s success reaffirms the school’s commitment to nurturing confident, world-class scholars.
An elated Naomi in an interview said she is happy to be part of such a proud legacy, adding that Chrisland has always inspired every student to aim for excellence, and knowing that others before her achieved this gave her the confidence that it was possible too. “I feel honoured to continue that tradition and I hope my success encourages others as well.”
She said further that the news that she emerged best in the world in the subject didn’t sink fast but realizing what it meant made her to be happy that her hard work paid off.
“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.”
Speaking about what inspired her, Naomi explained that she has always loved how English allows people to express their thoughts and emotions so beautifully. “I believe it is a way of thinking and connecting with people. That perspective really made me to fall in love with it even more.”
She however added that preparing for the examination was a bit challenging but she learned to take things one step at a time and reminded herself to trust the process.
“There were times I felt overwhelmed balancing all my subjects and responsibilities. My parents and teachers encouraged me constantly, and prayer gave me strength when I felt tired or unsure.
“My teachers were incredible. They were always patient and willing to explain things until I fully understood. My classmates also played a big role as we motivated each other and shared tips during study sessions. The school always gave us pep talks that reminded us that excellence is possible if we stay focused.
“My routine was quite consistent. I set aside time every day to read, write essays, and review past questions. I also made sure to read widely, novels, articles, and newspapers to expand my vocabulary and understanding. My teacher’s feedback on practice essays really helped me to improve. I tried to stay disciplined but also took breaks when I needed to,” she explained.
Naomi said her family has been her biggest support system. “My parents encouraged me to do my best but also reminded me to rest and take care of myself. They prayed with me, checked on my progress, and believed in me even when I was nervous. Their support meant everything.”
On future aspirations, she said her hope is to become a lawyer and impact society meaningfully. “I want to use my voice to stand for what’s right and help create a fairer community.
“My advice to other students is to stay consistent, listen to your teachers, and never underestimate the power of hard work and prayer. Don’t compare yourself to others, just keep growing and believe that you can achieve great things too,” she added.
Responding on the outstanding performance, the Director of Schools at Chrisland, Mrs. Ayoola Akinyeye said the institution achieved the feat through deliberate systems that make learning purposeful and engaging, a rigorous curriculum delivered by passionate teachers, and a school culture that values curiosity, confidence, and disciplined effort. “Excellence, therefore, becomes a habit rather than an occasional triumph.
“At Chrisland, excellence is not an exception, it’s our default. 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. “Top in the World” has room for only one, our record of multiple outstanding results each year shows that sustained excellence across large numbers is our true distinction,” she added.
She described the school’s mentoring culture as deeply personal and value-driven, stating that ‘the Teacher-Parenting Scheme’ helps every learner set high standards for themselves, believe in their potential, and take ownership of their progress.
“Through teacher guidance, peer mentoring, and leadership programmes, we build in our students a sense of resilience, integrity, and community spirit. They learn that achievement is not accidental, it is built daily, through reflection, feedback, and perseverance.”
She advised the award winners of the school to remain humble, stay curious, and keep growing. “You carry the hopes of many younger ones who now believe that more is possible because of you.
“And to those still on the journey, remember that excellence is within reach. The same culture, support, and opportunity that produced these achievers are yours as well. All it takes is consistent effort, courage, and belief in your own brilliance.”
The Executive Head of Schools (Communications), Chrisland Schools Limited, Dr. Olajide Onigbogi who is also the Regional Head of the Abuja and VGC schools explained that the school’s success is rooted in its five core values, Discipline, Integrity, Professionalism, Love, and Excellence, represented in the acronym DISCIPLE.
These values, he said, are not just written on the walls; they are lived daily by staff and learners while they shape how ‘they teach, learn, and interact’.
According to him, excellence at Chrisland isn’t accidental but intentional. “It is the product of discipline, professionalism, and love for learning, woven into the very fabric of our system.”
“The results of this value-based education are undeniable. In recent years, Chrisland learners have repeatedly emerged among the world’s best. Most notably, Naomi Olayinka was named Top in the World in Cambridge IGCSE English as a Second Language in June 2024. Similarly, Somkenechukwu Onwusika ranked among the Top Three WASSCE results in Lagos State in the same year.
“Our approach to teaching blends the strengths of the Nigerian and British curricula. We focus on depth, critical thinking, and global relevance, equipping our learners to thrive anywhere in the world.”
Dr. Onigbogi emphasised the school’s mentorship model; “at Chrisland, teachers are more than instructors, they are mentors and moral guides.
“We run a structured Pastoral Care and Mentorship System that identifies each learner’s strengths and areas for growth. Every student is seen, known, and supported.”
This personalised approach helps students develop resilience and confidence. We teach our learners to see challenges as opportunities. That’s the growth mindset we nurture. Every success is celebrated, and every setback becomes a lesson. This mindset prepares them not just for exams, but for life.”
For him, the school’s motto: “Show Forth the Light” perfectly captures this spirit. “We want every child who passes through Chrisland to shine wherever they go, not only through achievement, but through character and service.”
Speaking on the track record of consistent excellence, Dr. Onigbogi said the achievements of Chrisland learners across its campuses are numerous and inspiring.
“In 2024, 96 percent of WASSCE graduates at Chrisland High School, Abuja, recorded all distinctions, most with A1 grades. The least-performing student still achieved seven distinctions and two credits.
“Two years earlier, Ncheta Mbaronye earned the Best WASSCE result in Lagos State, while in 2025, Michael Daniella placed 2nd in NECO BECE nationwide.
“Beyond academics, Chrisland remains a powerhouse in sports and co-curricular activities. Its students have dominated the AISEN (Association of International School Educators of Nigeria) competitions, winning championships in athletics, soccer, swimming, and volleyball. We are currently the AISEN champions in both athletics and soccer,” he disclosed.
He added that these successes are not isolated but reflect the consistency of the school system, a blend of hard work, mentoring, and grace.
“For Chrisland, education goes far beyond results; it’s about developing balanced individuals. Our role is to raise disciplined, confident, and globally competitive learners.
“We want our students to embody values that will help them succeed not only in school but in life. That’s why love, integrity, and service are as important to us as academics.
He also said that parental involvement and strong partnerships play a critical role. “Our parents share our vision. They trust the system and reinforce the same values at home. It’s a collective effort. Every child who walks through our gates carries a seed of greatness.
“Our job is to nurture that seed with love, discipline, and excellence. When we see our learners winning global awards, leading in sports, or making positive impact in their communities, we know we are fulfilling our calling.”
BV.
