By Adedapo Adesanya
Cambridge International exams have latched onto popularity as records show increase in number of entries across all qualifications in many countries including Nigeria this year, as well as increase in the number of schools teaching Cambridge International programmes globally.
In Nigeria, there has been a significant increase in IGCSE and AS & A Level this year, with more than 22 000 entries, an increase of 14 percent compared to last year while globally it has grown by 7 percent.
Business Post gathered that across all qualifications, entries rose again this year from the previous by 4 percent internationally, while Nigeria saw a 14 percent increase for the 2018/2019 academic calendar.
It was also discovered that the number of schools teaching Cambridge oriented programmes also went up by 6 percent this year around the world, while more than 360 schools across the federation, making 10 percent have included adopted the curricula in Nigeria.
Expressing his delight, Juan Visser, Regional Director, Cambridge International, said: “I am delighted that the uptake of Cambridge qualifications continues to go from strength to strength in Nigeria.
“This is in no small part to the tremendous effort on the part of our registered schools in Nigeria preparing learners for our exams.
“Our exams have proven to be an excellent platform for learners to get into, and get on, at institutions of higher learning.” He said.
“These results have been duplicated in the many countries across the Sub-Saharan region in which our schools operate, proving there is a strong demand for robust programmes of study supported by valid and reliable exams trusted by universities across the region.” he concluded.
Visser then congratulated all the schools, the teachers, and the students for their various efforts as regards the registration, preparations, and successes in the exams.
Ayeni Oluwatosin Olawale, an A Level physics teacher from Global Cambridge College in Ibadan, said: “Sciences are the most popular A Level subjects with students in Nigeria because young adults in in the country see sciences as a pathway to great achievement in life. The Cambridge curriculum is splendid. It has given room for critical thinking and analysis.
“The full determination of the students and their readiness to study coupled with the teaching ability of the teachers contributed to the success of the students.” He added.
Some of the success stories include Oluwadurotimi Jonathan Efunshile, an A Level student from Global Cambridge College, who achieved A* in physics and chemistry and an A in maths.
He said: ‘I am glad I was able to achieve my aim of success in the Cambridge International programme. I worked closely with my teachers who are well experienced in teaching the curriculum.
“I worked hard and solved enough questions in preparation for the final exam.
“My school contributed much to my success – I appreciate them. I am planning on going to university outside Nigeria to study aeronautical engineering.” Efunshile concluded.
Agbodesi Christian Imoagene, was another A Level student from Bridge House College in Lagos who plans on studying mechanical engineering at the University of Loughborough in the UK, he achieved A*s for chemistry, physics and Maths.
“I am proud of my grades and very grateful to everyone who made it possible for me to attain them. I put a lot of hours into reading but the most important part of the exam preparation for me was practicing past papers.” He said.
In Nigeria, the most popular Cambridge IGCSEs this year were Mathematics, Biology and Physics while the most popular Cambridge International AS & A Level subjects were Physics, Chemistry and Biology.
In contrast, globally, the most popular Cambridge International AS & A Levels this year were Mathematics, Physics and Chemistry and the most popular Cambridge IGCSEs were Mathematics, Physics and First Language English.
Cambridge International qualifications are recognised by over 1500 universities around the world including leading universities in Nigeria.
