British high commissioner advocates collaboration to developing future-ready learners

Jonny Baxter, the British deputy high commissioner (DHC) in Lagos, Nigeria has called for stronger collaboration across the education sector, stressing that partnerships among key stakeholders are critical to developing future-ready learners.

 

Baxter made the call at the British Council Recognition and Outstanding Cambridge Learner Awards held in Lagos on Friday, when he emphasised that such cooperation would help ensure that young people acquire the knowledge, skills, and adaptability required to succeed in the rapidly evolving global economy.

 

“Partnership matters because no school can prepare learners for the future in isolation. Strong networks enable schools to exchange ideas, to learn from best practices, and build the capacity required to meet those emerging challenges,” he said.

 

The British deputy high commissioner speaking at the event themed; ‘Celebrating Excellence, Connecting Future-Ready Schools’, said the world the future-ready learners are entering, is rapidly changing. “Advances in technology, artificial intelligence, climate change, and shifting labour markets mean that education systems must continuously evolve.

 

“Future-ready schools are those that prepare students, not simply to pass examinations, but to thrive in a complex and interconnected world,” he said.

 

Hence, he reiterated that ‘Future-Ready’ schools must be able to inculcate curiosity, resilience, creativity, leadership, digital literacy, and a lifelong love for learning in learners.

 

This, he said will help students develop the confidence to solve problems, to embrace change, and seize opportunities wherever they arrive.

 

Moreover, Baxter emphasised that the British Academy of Primary Schools demonstrates the power of education communities working together to raise standards and expand opportunities.

 

“The culture of collaboration represented by British Academy of Primary Schools demonstrate the power of education communities working together to raise standards and expand opportunities.

 

“The United Kingdom remains committed to supporting those educational cultures, the ones that strengthen learning outcomes and institutionalization,” he said.

 

In addition, he said, “Through collaborations between schools, universities, professional bodies, and education organisations, we continue to deepen people-to-people connections and bring pathways to shared success.”

Besides, he stressed that equipping young people with the skills, knowledge, and adaptability needed for the future requires stronger partnerships among educators, parents, governments, and other key stakeholders.

 

The high commissioner noted that every investment in education is an investment in a more prosperous, innovative, and inclusive future.

He applauded the educators for their dedication, leadership, perseverance, and commitment to inspire young people and to strengthen communities across Nigeria.

“To the award winners, congratulations on your achievements. You represent the very best of your educational excellence and accomplishment, and Nigeria across the globe,” he noted.

The International Education group at Cambridge University Press & Assessment (Cambridge), in partnership with the British Council, celebrated Nigeria’s top-performing students at the British Council Recognition and Outstanding Cambridge Learner Awards.

 

The awards recognise learners across more than 40 countries who achieve academic excellence in Cambridge IGCSE, O Level and Cambridge International AS & A Level examinations.

This year, 118 learners from 47 Cambridge International Schools in Nigeria achieved exceptional results across 44 subjects in the June and November 2025 exam series.

Among the recipients, 16 ‘Top in the World’ awards were awarded to students who achieved the highest standard mark globally in a single subject.

Other awards presented include 77 ‘Top in Nigeria’ awards, commending learners who achieved the highest standard mark in the country for a single subject, and 56 ‘High Achievement’ awards, acknowledging learners who accomplished outstanding results in less commonly taken subjects.

There were also seven ‘Best Across’ awards, given to students who attained the highest cumulative total standard marks over a set number of subjects.

Juan Visser, regional director of Sub-Saharan Africa, International Education at Cambridge, said, “ Cambridge learners in Nigeria have once again demonstrated exceptional dedication and excellence through their outstanding examination results.

“We are extremely proud of their achievements, which reflect the ethos of Cambridge schools worldwide. With the support of educators, school leaders and parents, we are providing an education to equip young people with the knowledge, skills and confidence needed beyond the school environment into all spheres of life.”

 

The Outstanding Cambridge Learner Awards form part of Cambridge’s broader commitment to recognising and celebrating student success, while supporting schools to raise the profile of academic achievement within their communities.

 

Many Cambridge students’ progress to tertiary studies at both local and international higher education institutions, a testament to the value and global recognition of Cambridge qualifications.