One of Nigeria’s most celebrated female sprinters, Mary Onyali, has been officially appointed as an Ambassador of Nigerian Tulip International Colleges (NTIC).
The ceremony also saw the appointment of retired Darlington Abdullahi and recognition of 61 staff members for their long and dedicated service.
The event combined the Conferment and Investiture of NTIC Ambassadors with Long Service Awards, bringing together educators, administrators, and guests to celebrate nearly three decades of institutional growth supported by staff commitment.
NTIC Managing Director, Feyzullah Bilgin, highlighted the significance of the staff’s contributions across campuses in Lagos, Kano, Yobe, Kaduna, and the Federal Capital Territory.
“Your patience, dedication and perseverance are recognised and valued,” he said, adding that the 61 honourees received appreciation packages, including 13 months’ salary, in recognition of their years of service.
Bilgin emphasised the critical role of teachers in shaping school success, stating, “There is no flourishing school without flourishing staff.”
NTIC operates both the Nigerian and international Cambridge curricula and prioritises continuous professional development.
The appointments of Onyali and Abdullahi were described as intentional and aligned with NTIC’s vision of producing responsible leaders.
“They serve as living reference points for our students — examples of responsible leadership, resilience and the pursuit of excellence,” Bilgin said.
In her response, Onyali, a 1996 Olympic 200 metres bronze medalist, said the honour was deeply meaningful and tied to her passion for youth empowerment and education.
“One of the main reasons I returned to Nigeria after retiring from active sports was youth empowerment and education.
NTIC has achieved remarkable standards, and we will work to expand its impact even further,” she stated.
Abdullahi was recognised as a model of discipline, lifelong learning, and service, reflecting the values NTIC seeks to instill in its students.
The ceremony ended with the formal investiture of the two ambassadors and the presentation of awards to the 61 staff members.
