A 16-year-old Nigerian student, Naomi Olayinka, from Chrisland Schools, has earned international recognition after emerging Top in the World in English as a Second Language at the 2024 Cambridge International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE) examinations.
The award, conferred by Cambridge Assessment International Education, celebrates Naomi’s exceptional performance in the June 2024 IGCSE exams, placing her ahead of thousands of candidates globally.
Speaking with journalists on Monday, the visibly excited teenager described her achievement as “surreal,” attributing her success to faith, discipline, and the unwavering support of her parents and teachers.
“Honestly, I was speechless at first. It didn’t sink in right away. When I realised what it meant, I felt so grateful to God, my teachers, and my parents. It was a surreal moment that reminded me hard work truly pays off,” she said.
Naomi’s accomplishment follows that of Mmesomachukwu Okonkwo, another Chrisland alumna who earned the same distinction in 2023. Reflecting on this legacy, Naomi expressed pride in continuing the school’s tradition of excellence.
“It feels amazing to be part of this proud legacy. Knowing that others before me achieved this gave me confidence that it was possible. I hope my success inspires other students to believe in themselves too,” she added.
She shared that her passion for English comes from its ability to connect people and express emotions, explaining that she combined daily study routines with extensive reading of novels, essays, and newspapers to prepare for the exam.
While the journey was not without challenges, Naomi said perseverance and faith kept her focused.
“There were moments of doubt and exhaustion, but I learned to take things one step at a time. My parents, teachers, and prayer helped me stay strong,” she said.
As an Assembly Prefect, she also credited her leadership role for teaching her time management and responsibility — skills that supported her academic discipline.
Reacting to the feat, the Director of Schools at Chrisland Schools Limited, Mrs. Ayoola Akinyeye, said Naomi’s success underscores the school’s commitment to nurturing globally competitive learners.
“At Chrisland, excellence is not an exception—it’s our default. Every year, our students achieve distinctions and awards that rank them among the best globally,” she stated.
Also commenting, the Executive Head of Schools (Communications) and Regional Head of Abuja and VGC Schools, Dr. Olajide Onigbogi, said the achievement reflects an intentional culture of discipline, professionalism, and passion for learning.
“Excellence at Chrisland isn’t accidental; it’s intentional. It’s woven into our system through structure, consistency, and love for learning,” he said.
Naomi’s achievement adds another milestone to Nigeria’s growing list of young scholars making their mark on the global academic stage.
