The Nigerian Tulip International Colleges (NTIC) has appointed former Nigerian sprint icon, Mary Onyali, and retired Air Force officer, Darlington Abdullahi, as ambassadors of the institution.
The appointments were announced at a ceremony where 61 members of staff were honoured for over 15 years of dedicated service to the college.
The awardees, drawn from both academic and non-academic cadres, were recognised for their long-standing commitment to the development of the institution. Many of them, who received their appointment letters more than 15 years ago, have since advanced through various administrative and academic positions within the school.
The event, organised by the management of NTIC, celebrated the contributions of the long-serving staff while formally conferring ambassadorial honours on the two distinguished Nigerians.
NTIC operates a network of international schools in Lagos, Yobe, Kano, Kaduna and Abuja, offering both the Nigerian national curriculum and the Cambridge International Curriculum. Over its 28-year history, the institution has built a reputation for academic excellence, character education and holistic student development, consistently recording notable achievements in national and international competitions.
Speaking at the event, the Managing Director of NTIC, Dr. Fevzullah Bilgin, said Onyali and Abdullahi were selected as ambassadors in recognition of their contributions to national development.
He noted that their achievements would inspire students to strive for excellence and make meaningful impact in their respective fields. Bilgin also commended the long-serving staff for their loyalty and dedication, describing the award ceremony as recognition of their meritorious service and steadfast commitment to the institution.
The honourees received appreciation packages ranging from a 13th-month salary bonus to electronic items and home appliances. Bilgin emphasised that NTIC prioritises staff welfare and professional growth, adding that the career progression of many awardees reflects the institution’s supportive system.
The Human Resource Manager, Dr. Muazu Omeji, who has spent 21 years at NTIC, recounted his journey from Mathematics teacher to senior administrative roles, describing the college as a place of growth and opportunity.
Other staff members shared similar experiences. Mrs. Njepuome Margaret-Chris described her 22-year tenure as transformative, while Mr. Ugoala Uchenna Joseph said the institution had provided him with a platform for steady career advancement over the past 18 years.
Abdusalam Adeyemi Ahmed noted that he began as a Biology teacher 17 years ago, later became Principal of NTIC Kaduna, and currently serves as Head of Academics in Abuja. Mrs. Oluwatoyin Kolawole Okotie, a secretary at NTIC Abuja Coed with 17 years of service, described the institution as family-oriented and supportive.
In their remarks, both ambassadors said they accepted the role in view of NTIC’s commitment to student development and staff welfare.
In her acceptance speech, Onyali expressed enthusiasm about her appointment, stating that her passion for mentoring young people informed her decision to serve as ambassador. She said making a positive impact on students was more valuable than financial reward and pledged to use her network to promote greater enrolment and positive awareness of the school.
She also addressed misconceptions about the institution, stressing that NTIC is multinational, multicultural and multi-religious, and not restricted to any faith or group.
The event was attended by members of the NTIC Board, parents, alumni, representatives of the Ministry of Education and other dignitaries.
