Nigerian Prodigy Mmesoma Okonkwo, 17, Clinches Top Honors in World Cambridge Exams, Grabs British Award

Mmesoma's success was not merely an individual triumph; another classmate from Chrisland High School was recognized as the overall best in the Law subject during the Cambridge exams.

Jan 22, 2024 - 14:45 Updated: Jan 22, 2024 - 17:03

Nigerian Prodigy Mmesoma Okonkwo, 17, Clinches Top Honors in World Cambridge Exams, Grabs British Award

In a remarkable achievement, 17-year-old Nigerian prodigy Mmesoma Okonkwo has been honored with the British Council Outstanding Cambridge Learner’s Award for securing the title of the overall best student in the World Cambridge examinations. A student at Chrisland High School in Lagos, Nigeria, Mmesoma emerged as the top performer in English as a Second Language during the 2022 Cambridge International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE) examinations.

Expressing her gratitude, Mmesoma credited her success to the unwavering support of her teachers and the conducive learning environment provided by Chrisland High School. She emphasized the guidance she received, stating, "I received a lot of help from my school, and my teachers, because I remember that they were so helpful before and when we were taking the exams. They made sure they gave us the right places to study for pupils who wanted to take the examinations alone."

Mmesoma's success was not merely an individual triumph; another classmate from Chrisland High School was recognized as the overall best in the Law subject during the Cambridge exams.

Reflecting on the pivotal role of her school in her accomplishments, Mmesoma highlighted the motivational impact of displaying past students' successful exam results within the school premises. This, she noted, subconsciously fueled her determination to excel. "My school, in general, was a great environment for this exam because they (the management) put up results of those who took the exam previously, and seeing those results and how well they did, it sort of subconsciously put the desire in me to put my best, and I’m glad that happened at the end of the day," she added.

In an interview, Mmesoma revealed that she approached the exams with a focus on personal achievement and pride. Her diligence and commitment paid off, as she emerged as the overall best in English as a Second Language. The award ceremony was kept a secret until the day of the event, and Mmesoma expressed her surprise and joy upon receiving the British Council Outstanding Cambridge Learner’s Award.

As Mmesoma sets her sights on university education, she envisions pursuing degrees in Business Administration in both the United Kingdom and the United States. The accomplished student believes that the prestigious award will open doors for her, and she plans to leverage this recognition for continuous learning, personal growth, and self-improvement.