Mercy Ehi Idris-Etanami has emerged the best graduating student in the department of Intelligence and Global Security (M.Sc), Class of 2025, Faculty of International Relations and Diplomacy from Baze University, Abuja.
Ms. Idris-Etanami’s academic performance was formally recognised with a certificate of excellence and academic awards, a testament to her diligence, intellectual rigour, and commitment to advancing knowledge in her chosen field.
Her research project focused on “Child Neglect as a driver of Security Threats in West Africa: Analyzing the involvement of minors in the 2024 ‘End Bad Governance’ Protests in Nigeria”. This was selected for publication by the university, further cementing her contribution to scholarly discourse and global academia. It explored child neglect as a driver of security threats, with particular emphasis on the involvement of youth in social unrest. The findings underscored a critical insight: unresolved social issues rarely vanish; instead, they resurface as pressing security challenges in later years. By highlighting the link between social welfare and national stability, her work provides valuable perspectives for policymakers, educators, and security practitioners seeking to address root causes of unrest rather than its symptoms.
According to Ms. Idris-Etanami, her academic journey is one that has been marked by consistency and distinction. She attributed her success to the solid support of her family, the guidance and encouragement of her lecturers, mentors, friends, and family, whose camaraderie has been instrumental throughout her academic journey. She acknowledges that her achievements are not hers alone but the product of a collective effort that nurtured her growth and sharpened her vision.
“My achievements are not solely a testament to individual effort, but rather a reflection of the collective support and opportunities that have shaped my journey, underscoring the imperative of collaboration in fostering growth and progress. The trajectory of my future is inextricably linked to the audacity of my dreams and my unwavering commitment to realizing them.” She said.
Ms. Idris-Etanami previously earned a Bachelor of Science in Entrepreneurship and Business Management and a Master of Science in Business Administration, graduating with honours across all programs from the National Open University of Nigeria coupled with over a decade’s experience in the Banking sector. This strong foundation in both business and security studies reflects her interdisciplinary approach to problem-solving and her ability to bridge the worlds of commerce, governance, and global security.
She said, “I believe that true progress is measured not by economic indicators alone, but by the extent to which it enhances human security, dignity, and the well-being of our planet, necessitating a holistic approach to development that prioritizes these interconnected goals.”
Beyond the classroom, Ms. Idris-Etanami is widely known as a creative writer whose voice reflects depth, insight, and purpose. As an Executive Director with the Sustainable Initiative for Nurturing Growth – SING, a Frontline non-governmental organisation, she demonstrates her passion for community development and sustainable growth.
Ms. Idris-Etanami has authored multiple research papers on security, child neglect, gender apartheid, contemporary issues, climate change, and global affairs in reputable local and international journals. This track record demonstrates her commitment to rigorous scholarship and ability to engage with complex issues, contributing meaningfully to academic discourse in Intelligence and Global Security, International Relations, and Diplomacy.
As she celebrates this well-earned accomplishment, her story resonates far beyond the certificate she now holds. It is a story of balance in complexity, of faith under pressure, and of triumph through resilience. Her journey inspires professionals, parents, students, and dreamers alike to keep pushing forward, even when the path is demanding.
Indeed, this graduation is not an end, but a bold beginning. And as she steps into the next chapter of service, leadership, and impact, she does so equipped not only with academic honours but with a story that inspires many to never give up.
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