Ex-Sprinter Mary Onyali and Over 60 Others Honoured with NTIC Ambassadorial Roles
In a significant move to promote educational excellence, the Nigerian Tulip International Colleges has appointed former Olympic sprinter Mary Onyali, alongside Air Commodore Darlington Abdullahi and 61 long-serving staff members, as education ambassadors. The induction ceremony was held at the National Defence College in Abuja on Thursday, February 12, 2026, marking a pivotal moment in NTIC's commitment to inspiring youth through academic and personal development.
Ceremony Highlights and Appointee Recognition
The event formally vested the ambassadorial titles on Mary Onyali, a 1996 Olympic 200m bronze medalist, and Air Commodore Abdullahi, a retired former Director of Military and National Strategy. The 61 staff members recognised for their dedication were selected from various NTIC campuses across Nigeria, including locations in Lagos, Kano, Yobe, Kaduna, and Abuja. This recognition underscores NTIC's appreciation for long-term service and contributions to the institution's mission.
Mary Onyali's Emotional Response and Motivation
In a statement shared with the media, Mary Onyali expressed profound gratitude for the appointment, describing it as one of the happiest moments in her life. She highlighted her dual motivations for returning to Nigeria after retiring from sports: youth empowerment through athletics and a deep-seated passion for education. Onyali quoted her daughter, saying, "Today is my 'bestest' day," emphasizing the personal significance of this honour.
NTIC's Rationale for the Appointments
NTIC explained that Mary Onyali was chosen as an ambassador due to her embodiment of excellence, humility, resilience, and service. Her ability to inspire young people from diverse backgrounds aligns perfectly with NTIC's mission and vision. Similarly, the college noted that Air Commodore Abdullahi's life reflects the balance NTIC aims to instil in students, encompassing intellectual curiosity, emotional stability, moral strength, and social responsibility.
Broader Context of NTIC's Academic Achievements
This ambassadorial initiative comes amid a backdrop of notable academic successes at NTIC. For instance, the college recently announced its top scorers in the 2025 Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board examination, with Kaamilah Kareem leading with 371 points. Additionally, stories such as a teenager from NTIC achieving a perfect score in SAT maths and another winning a scholarship to an American university highlight the institution's commitment to nurturing academic brilliance. These achievements reinforce NTIC's role in preparing students for future success and its ongoing efforts to promote education across Nigeria.
