With insecurity disrupting school attendance across parts of the country and exposing children to growing risks, education leaders, security experts and role models are warning that Nigeria is standing at a dangerous crossroads: either protect learning spaces or risk losing a generation.

This message took centre stage in Abuja on Thursday as Nigerian Tulip International Colleges (NTIC) appointed former Olympic sprint star Mary Onyali and retired Air Commodore Darlington Egbunu Abdullahi as ambassadors, positioning education as Nigeria’s most potent weapon against insecurity, social decay and youth vulnerability.

Speaking at the ceremony, Onyali delivered a blunt message to governors and local government authorities, urging them to show decisive leadership in confronting insecurity that keeps children out of classrooms.

“We cannot all quit going to school because of insecurity,” Onyali said. “Look at Anambra State. The governor put his foot down and ended the Monday stay-at-home. Other governors must do the same. If help is needed, they should ask for it.”

She warned that allowing fear to dictate school closures would inflict long-term damage on the nation, stressing that no responsible leader should remain passive while children are denied education.

“I am sure Mr. President would not be happy to see a child out of school because of insecurity while those in charge sit idle,” she added.

Onyali, one of Nigeria’s most decorated athletes, said her decision to align with NTIC was driven by a desire to directly impact children’s lives beyond sports, describing education as the foundation of confidence, discipline and national progress.

“I try to put myself in the children’s position and make them comfortable,” she said. “If years later they say something I shared helped them, that is success for me.”

She also addressed widespread misconceptions about NTIC, dismissing claims that the school is elitist or faith-restricted.

“NTIC is not just for one religion or one group. It is multicultural, multi-religious and right here in the heart of Abuja,” she said, adding that part of her role would be to widen access through public enlightenment.

Beyond security, Onyali turned attention to Nigeria’s declining sports fortunes, tracing the problem to the collapse of grassroots development.

“Champions are not built overnight. It takes years—sometimes three Olympic cycles,” she said. “Nigeria has the talent, but we are failing to discover and nurture them early.”

She argued that strong schools remain the bedrock for discovering both academic and athletic excellence.

Adding a security perspective, retired Air Commodore Darlington Abdullahi warned that neglecting education fuels crime, radicalisation and cyber recruitment of youths.

“Without proper education, young people may not understand their place in society,” he said. “That makes them vulnerable to criminal networks, both on the streets and online.”

Abdullahi, a scholar with a PhD in Security and Strategic Studies, said education offers a long-term but sustainable solution to Nigeria’s security challenges, noting that discipline, values and critical thinking are as important as military responses.

“If you deny a child education today, you may be creating a problem for society tomorrow,” he said.

He urged Nigerians with means to look beyond their immediate families by supporting the education of other children, warning that social neglect eventually rebounds on everyone.

“If you can sponsor even one child, do it,” Abdullahi said. “If others are left uneducated, they may one day make life difficult for your own children.”

Abdullahi, who rose through the ranks of the Nigerian Air Force and later earned a PhD in Security and Strategic Studies, said NTIC provides a disciplined and secure learning environment essential for raising responsible citizens.

He urged parents and well-meaning Nigerians to extend educational opportunities beyond their own children, warning that neglecting education for others could have broader consequences for society.

“If you have the means, sponsor at least one other child,” he said. “If we deny others education, they may eventually make life unbearable for our own children. Education is not just personal—it is collective security.”

The retired Air Commodore, who has served on national and international committees, said his commitment to mentorship and youth development did not end with his military career, adding that his role as NTIC Ambassador aligns with his lifelong belief in human capacity building.

“The faithful years of service of 61 members of staff at Nigerian Tulip International Colleges have called for a commendation and award service. These staff who were given appointment letters more than five years ago have all risen to various administrative staff cadres in their various capacity.

The management of Nigerian Tulip International Colleges said the event, which happened to be a 2-in-1 programme, was also to honour the long-serving staff members who have dedicated more than 15years of their lives to the development of NTIC and the Conferment and Investiture of the two ambassadors

The management explained further that the appointment of Onyali and Abdullahi reflects the institution’s belief that education must be holistic, blending academic excellence with character formation, emotional wellbeing and civic responsibility.

According to the school, the ambassadors embody the resilience, discipline and leadership values NTIC seeks to instil in its students at a time when young Nigerians are exposed to unprecedented social and security pressures.

Education stakeholders at the event noted that as insecurity spreads, schools increasingly serve as safe spaces where values are shaped and futures secured.

For Onyali and Abdullahi, the ambassadorship represents more than honorary titles. It is a call to action—one that challenges political leaders to take responsibility, communities to protect learning, and Nigerians to recognise that education remains the country’s strongest defence against insecurity and national decline.