Education
Entries for Cambridge Exams from Nigeria Hit Over 22,000
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.
By Modupe Gbadeyanka
No fewer than 60 students from the host communities of Dangote Granite Mines in Ijebu-Igbo have received bursary awards in a bid to improve access to education in the area.
The beneficiaries were awarded the financial aid over the weekend by the company at a ceremony attended by monarchs, community leaders and others from the vicinity.
Dangote Granite Mines, a subsidiary of Dangote Industries Limited (DIL), said it gave out the bursary to cement its commitment to educational advancement and sustainable community development.
The beneficiaries, comprising 40 tertiary institution students and 20 secondary school students, were selected from the four host communities of Ayebandele, Olorunmodu, Saliu Babarisi and Idi Omo under the company’s annual education support programme.
The General Manager of Community Relations at Dangote Granite Mines, Mr Joseph Alabi, described the bursary scheme as one of the organisation’s most impactful investments in the future of its host communities.
According to him, education remains a powerful catalyst for individual and societal advancement, making it imperative for corporate organisations to support young people in achieving their academic aspirations.
“Every year, we are delighted to support brilliant and deserving students from our host communities because we recognise that education is the foundation of sustainable development.
“These beneficiaries represent the next generation of leaders, professionals and change-makers who will contribute meaningfully to society,” Mr Alabi said.
He highlighted several interventions undertaken by the company over the years, including classroom rehabilitation, donation of school furniture, healthcare support initiatives and the provision of potable water through solar-powered boreholes.
“Our commitment extends beyond annual bursaries. We have consistently implemented projects that improve access to education, healthcare and other essential services. Our goal is to ensure that our operations create lasting value and tangible benefits for our host communities,” he stated.
Commending the initiative, the Sopinlukale of Oke-Sopin, Ijebu-Igbo, Mr Mufutau Adesesan Yusuf, lauded Dangote Granite Mines for its longstanding dedication to community development and educational empowerment.
“For more than a decade, Dangote Granite Mines has consistently fulfilled its commitments to our communities through meaningful and impactful interventions. The annual bursary programme has become a source of hope and encouragement for many families, enabling students to pursue their educational ambitions,” the monarch said.
Some of the student beneficiaries expressed appreciation to the firm for the annual gesture, promising not to disappoint the company but to continue to display academic excellence that earned them the awards.
By Adedapo Adesanya
The federal government has suspended the proposed review of registration fees for the 2027 West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) and the National Examinations Council (NECO) Senior School Certificate Examination (SSCE).
The Federal Ministry of Education made the announcement on Monday in a statement signed by the Director of Press and Public Relations, Mrs Boriowo Folasade.
The ministry announced that the letter conveying the proposed fee adjustment, dated June 18, 2026, has been withdrawn to allow for a comprehensive review and broader consultations with all relevant stakeholders before a final decision is taken.
The Minister of Education, Mr Tunji Alausa, directed that the proposal be placed on hold, with the Ministry acknowledging the concerns and constructive feedback received from the public since the planned increase became known.
The Ministry said the proposed fee review was driven by rising operational costs that have accumulated over several years without a corresponding adjustment to examination registration fees.
It said the current fees have remained largely unchanged for several years despite significant increases in costs covering logistics, security, printing of examination materials, technology deployment, quality assurance and other services required to maintain the integrity of public examinations.
“The proposed review was informed by the prevailing economic realities and the rising cost of conducting credible national examinations,” the statement said.
“The current examination registration fees have remained largely unchanged for several years despite significant increases in operational costs,” the Ministry added.
The ministry said the proposed fee hike will no longer take effect as earlier planned, while acknowledging that the concerns raised by Nigerians warranted a pause in the process.
“The proposed review of examination registration fees will not take effect, as earlier communicated, pending the conclusion of the consultation process,” the statement confirmed, adding that the June 18 letter conveying the proposed adjustment has been formally withdrawn.
“This decision underscores the Ministry’s determination to ensure that policies affecting millions of Nigerian students and their families are carefully considered, socially responsive and reflect the collective interest of the nation,” it said.
The Ministry outlined a fresh stakeholder engagement process that must be concluded before any decision on examination fees is made, signalling that the review has been delayed rather than permanently shelved.
The Ministry said it will engage extensively with examination bodies, state ministries of education, school proprietors and administrators, parents’ associations, organised labour and other education stakeholders as part of the renewed consultation process.
It said the goal of the consultation is to ensure that any future decision is “fair, sustainable, transparent and responsive to prevailing realities while safeguarding access to education,” framing the suspension as a course correction rather than an outright reversal of policy intent.
“The Ministry acknowledges the concerns and constructive feedback received from the public and appreciates the keen interest shown by Nigerians in matters relating to access to quality education,” the statement read.
The Ministry assured Nigerians it would keep the public fully informed throughout the consultation process, saying the welfare of students and equitable access to quality education “remain at the heart of the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the education sector.”
By Modupe Gbadeyanka
The examination fees of Senior School Certificate Examinations (SSCE) conducted by the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) and the National Examinations Council (NECO) have been increased by the federal government by about 82 per cent to N50,000 from N27,500.
A circular signed by the Director of Senior Secondary Education in the Federal Ministry of Education, Mr Adeniji Ibrahim, disclosed that the new fees would become effective in 2027.
In the notice, it was disclosed that the government approved the upward review of the fees following a request by WAEC.
It was further disclosed that the decision to jack up the fees was reached after a March 31, 2026, meeting between the Minister of Education and examination bodies, where the need to review examination fees was discussed.
“You may recall that at a meeting of examination bodies held with the Minister of Education on March 31, 2026, where the need for upward review of examination fees was discussed, the Minister directed that WAEC and NECO should adopt a uniform fee for the conduct of WAEC and NECO SSCE,” the statement read.
“Consequently, I am directed to convey the Minister of Education’s approval of the sum of N50,000 only, as the new examination fee per candidate, with effect from NECO SSCE (Internal), 2027,” it added.
