NTIC Names Mary Onyali School’s Ambassador

By: Michael Mike

A former Nigerian sprinter, Mary Onyali has been made the Ambassador of the Nigerian Tulip International Colleges (NTIC).

Also name an ambassador is a retired Air Force officer, Air Commodore Darlington Abdullahi (rtd) at a ceremony where 61 staff of the school were honoured for their long service.

The 61 awardees were so honoured for dedicating more than 15 years of service to the development of the institution. Many of them, who were issued appointment letters over 15 years ago, have risen through various administrative and academic cadres in different capacities within the school.

The management of NTIC organised the landmark historical event to celebrate the long-serving staff and formally confer ambassadorial honours on the two distinguished Nigerians.

Nigerian Tulip International Colleges (NTIC) is a well-established network of international schools recognised for its strong commitment to character education, academic excellence, and holistic student development. Located in Lagos, Yobe, Kano, Kaduna, and Abuja, NTIC offers both the Nigerian national curriculum and the Cambridge International Curriculum, supported by robust foundation programmes that ensure strong academic grounding across all levels.

Over the past 28 years, the institution has built a solid legacy rooted in quality, discipline, and innovation, consistently recording outstanding national and international achievements in academics and competitive platforms.

NTIC places high value on staff well-being and health, acknowledging the central role of human capital in educational quality, while continuously integrating cutting-edge technology and online learning platforms to enrich teaching and learning.

Speaking at the event, the Managing Director of NTIC, Dr. Fevzullah Bilgin, stated that Air Commodore Darlington Abdullahi (rtd) and Mrs. Mary Onyali were chosen as NTIC Ambassadors due to their contributions to national development.

“Their achievements will serve as inspiration for our students to become individuals of great impact in their various endeavours and to always strive to be the best version of themselves,” he said.

Bilgin further noted that the long-serving staff members have demonstrated commitment and loyalty to the institution.

“These staff members, who were given appointment letters more than 15 years ago, have risen through various administrative cadres and have proven their dedication to the development of NTIC and the provision of world-class education,” he added.

He described the award ceremony as a recognition of their meritorious service and unwavering commitment since joining the institution.

The awardees cut across academic and non-academic staff, from junior to senior management levels. They received appreciation gifts ranging from a 13th-month salary bonus to electronic items and home appliances in recognition of their dedication and selfless service.

Bilgin emphasised that NTIC provides opportunities for growth and development, noting that the career progression of long-serving staff is evidence of the institution’s supportive system.

Similarly, the Human Resource Manager, Dr. Muazu Omeji, who has spent 21 years at NTIC, said he joined the school as a Mathematics teacher and rose through various positions. He described NTIC as more than a workplace, calling it “a place of growth.”

Other staff members shared similar testimonies. Mrs. Njepuome Margaret-Chris described her 22-year journey at NTIC as eye-opening and transformative. Mr. Ugoala Uchenna Joseph said the institution has been a platform for growth since he joined 18 years ago.

Also, Abdusalam Adeyemi Ahmed stated that he began as a Biology teacher 17 years ago, later served in several administrative roles, became Principal of NTIC Kaduna, and currently serves as Head of Academics in Abuja. “NTIC is home away from home,” he said.

Mrs. Oluwatoyin Kolawole Okotie, a secretary at NTIC Abuja Coed, who has spent 17 years at the institution, described the administration as family-oriented, noting that this supportive environment has encouraged many staff members to remain with the school.

In their remarks, both ambassadors said they accepted the role because of NTIC’s dedication to student growth and staff well-being.

The event was attended by members of the NTIC Board, parents, delegates from the Ministry of Education, alumni, and other dignitaries.

In her acceptance speech, Mrs. Mary Onyali expressed excitement about her new role.

“I am super excited for so many reasons. I have always loved being around children. Throughout my life, I have tried to connect with them, make them feel comfortable, and share life lessons that have brought me this far,” she said.

She added that leaving a positive impact on young people is more valuable than financial reward.

“I love the fact that I have left a positive impact in their lives and would love to see them flourish because human capital is more valuable than any amount of money,” she stated.

On her plans as ambassador, Onyali said she intends to promote higher enrolment and create positive awareness about the school.

She addressed misconceptions about the institution, stating that NTIC is neither exclusive nor limited to any religion.

“It is a multinational, multicultural, and multi-religious school. Our role as ambassadors is to educate the public and promote the positive values of the school,” she said.

She pledged to use her network and influence to promote NTIC and strengthen its public image globally.”

NTIC Names Mary Onyali School’s Ambassador

Kashere Varsity gets new VC

The Governing Council of the Federal University Kashere (FUK) has appointed Professor Muhammad Ja’afaru as the new Vice-Chancellor of the university.

The announcement was made on Tuesday by the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of Council FUK Professor Williams Aderounmu, after a competitive selection process.

Speaking after the appointment, Professor Aderounmu said the selection followed clear rules.

He explained that only professors with at least seven years’ experience were allowed to apply.

He said candidates were judged based on their experience, academic work, service to the community and how well they performed during the interview. Special attention was also given to their ability to raise funds for the university through international grants, endowment funds, consultancy services and other income-generating activities.

The Pro-Chancellor noted that government funding alone is not enough, so the university needs leaders who can help find additional sources of money.

He confirmed that Professor Ja’afaru performed better than the other candidates, but did not share the exact scores.

He added that 20 well-qualified professors were interviewed for the position and that all of them were capable of becoming vice-chancellors.

Professor Ja’afaru is an experienced lecturer and university administrator who has worked for many years at Modibbo Adama University (MAU), Yola. Before this appointment, he was the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration), where he handled the day-to-day administrative affairs of the university.

The Governing Council of the Federal University Kashere (FUK) has appointed Professor Muhammad Ja’afaru as the new Vice-Chancellor of the university.

The announcement was made on Tuesday by the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of Council FUK Professor Williams Aderounmu, after a competitive selection process.

Speaking after the appointment, Professor Aderounmu said the selection followed clear rules.

He explained that only professors with at least seven years’ experience were allowed to apply.

He said candidates were judged based on their experience, academic work, service to the community and how well they performed during the interview. Special attention was also given to their ability to raise funds for the university through international grants, endowment funds, consultancy services and other income-generating activities.

The Pro-Chancellor noted that government funding alone is not enough, so the university needs leaders who can help find additional sources of money.

He confirmed that Professor Ja’afaru performed better than the other candidates, but did not share the exact scores.

He added that 20 well-qualified professors were interviewed for the position and that all of them were capable of becoming vice-chancellors.

Professor Ja’afaru is an experienced lecturer and university administrator who has worked for many years at Modibbo Adama University (MAU), Yola. Before this appointment, he was the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration), where he handled the day-to-day administrative affairs of the university.

Kashere Varsity gets new VC

UNIMAID College of Medicine needs about 20 billion for complete overhaul for the future

By: Bodunrin Kayode

Vice Chancellor University of Maiduguri (UNIMAD) Professor Mohammed Mele has said that his University will need not less than 20 billion naira to upgrade the facilities in the College of Medicine which boasts of the allied health science and Basic medical science departments.

He said that after 50 years of producing quality medical practitioners with such limited facilities in the College which were grossly inadequate to take care of more students, it was time to prepare proactively for the future which is already at their door steps.

Professor Mele noted that if the institution must continue to live to the high expectations of the North East of Nigeria and the entire Lake Chad region, there was a need for a massive overhaul and expansion of the facilities on ground to ensure that the institution meets up to expectations of its catchment area.

Prof Mele made these assertions recently during a pre convocation news conference held in the main campus of the institution where he announced that the University was one of the beneficiaries of 4 billion naira grant from TET Fund for the expansion of medical facilities aimed at increasing the enrollment into the highly sort out Medicine, Dentistry, Nursing and Pharmacy departments.

The VC further noted that with the increase in the demand for education in the University, it was high time management plans ahead for the future years paving way for more intakes of students so that the catchment area in need for medical professionals will not suffer acute deficit.

” For now we take only about 150 students for the MBBS programme but we have seen that the current demand is far beyond that figure so this fund will assist us to expand the laboratories where our students train by getting more medical equipment for them to work with while acquiring quality education to take care of the deficit in the region.

” After correcting some of these lapses, it is our intention to double the intakes to about 100 percent so that at least 300 students can be trained for medicine at a time like wise pharmacy and other allied sciences” said Mele.

The VC hinted that the Federal Government has also allocated over N700 million for provision of hostels in the Medical College as well as more funds for the establishment of a Simulation Laboratory adding that these laudable interventions will further strengthen the University’s position as a Centre of Excellence in medical training.

Convocation and Honours

On Saturday’s 25th convocation, the VC further hinted that 20,164 graduates, which is the largest in the history of the institution will receive their certificates.

“These include: 66 PhDs1,020 Master’s Degrees 3,851 Postgraduate Diplomas 13,624 Bachelor’s Degrees 1,699 Diplomas.

“For the Bachelor’s degree, there are: 205 First Class Honours 3,114 Second Class Upper and 9,501 Second Class Lower.” Said the VC.

“We congratulate our graduates for their hard work, resilience and dedication.Golden Jubilee (50th Anniversary)Our Golden Jubilee is a profound celebration of resilience, growth and unwavering purpose.

“From its humble beginnings with just two faculties, the University of Maiduguri has evolved into a vibrant institution comprising 17 faculties, a College of Medical Sciences, a Dynamic college of Postgraduate Studies and 12 specialised research centres.” he maintained

He posited that through years marked by insurgency, economic constraints and even a global pandemic, the University has stood firm as a steadfast symbol of courage, stability and intellectual fortitude for the entire Sahel region.

During this celebration, the VC said that the University will honour three exceptional Nigerians whose contributions to society are exemplary as well as appointment as Professors Emeriti some Professors whose mentorship and service have left an indelible legacy in this University.

University Endowment Fund

To secure the next fifty years and beyond, the VC said that the University has established the UNIMAID Endowment Fund to assist in the development of the campus and all it’s academic activities.

Mele revealed that the fund is expected to serve as an enduring vehicle to strengthen research, expand infrastructure, nurture innovation, support scholarships and ensure long-term financial sustainability.

“We therefore extend an earnest call to our alumni; partners, corporate organisations, philanthropists and all lovers of education to join hands with us in shaping the UNIMAID of the future.” Said Mele.

On recent achievements the VC noted that they have been involved in the renovation and upgrade of over 32 lecture theatres to meet up to the expectations of the next fifty years.

Others include: “Complete refurbishment of toilets and common rooms across 10 halls of residence. Ongoing phased upgrade of staff offices and faculty buildings.Improved street lighting, pavements, walkways and landscaping. Enhanced sanitation through a strengthened Directorate of Sanitation and Landscape. “

Five new middle-aquifer boreholes, approved and funded by the Borno State government, has also been sunk in the campus.

Other areas of achievements include the provision of staff housing, installation of laboratory equipment, scholarships and sponsorships for students and staff, solar-powered boreholes and direct financial assistance.

The State Government, through the Borno State Education trust Fund, also recently constructed and donated a two-storey academic complex comprising classrooms, laboratories, staff rooms and a library to the University Demonstration Secondary School.

“Their investments have significantly strengthened our research capacity, improved teaching and learning, enhanced community service, supported humanitarian initiatives and reinforced resilience programming across the institution.” Said Mele.

UNIMAID College of Medicine needs about 20 billion for complete overhaul for the future