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President Barrow Applauds Nigeria’s Technical Aid Scheme at Graduation of 951 Engineering Students in Gambia

Published

3 months ago

June 21, 2026

..NTAC DG Pledges more Government Support

Joel Ajayi

President of the Republic of The Gambia and Chancellor of the University of Applied Science, Engineering and Technology (USET), His Excellency Adama Barrow, has restated his country’s profound gratitude to the Government and people of Nigeria for the sustained support provided through the Nigerian Technical Aid Corps (NTAC) Scheme, as USET graduated a total of 951 students during its 2nd Combined Convocation Ceremony held in Banjul.

Speaking at the ceremony themed “Innovation for Impact: Science, Skills and Sustainable Development,” President Barrow commended Nigeria’s development cooperation efforts and acknowledged the positive contributions of Nigerian professionals serving under the Technical Aid Corps Scheme to the growth of critical sectors in The Gambia, particularly higher education.

The President also appreciated development partners and stakeholders for their contributions to the advancement of USET and charged the graduands to remain connected to their alma mater by giving back to the institution.

He further encouraged the University’s Governing Council and Management to continue advancing innovation for lasting impact and sustainable development.

Representing Nigeria at the event, the Director-General and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Technical Aid Corps, Rt. Hon. Yusuf Buba Yakub, conveyed the goodwill and greetings of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, to the Government and people of The Gambia.

The NTAC Director-General reaffirmed President Tinubu’s commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s development cooperation with The Gambia through strategic technical assistance, knowledge transfer, capacity building and the deployment of skilled Nigerian professionals.

A defining highlight of the convocation was the visible impact of the NTAC Scheme on higher education development in The Gambia, with several Nigerian Technical Aid Corps volunteers now occupying strategic academic leadership positions in the country’s tertiary institutions.

Among them are the Vice Chancellor of USET, Engr. Prof. Nazmat Surajudeen-Bakinde, Prof. Ado Yusuf Abdulfatah, Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic Affairs), USET, Prof. David Gundu, Director Academic Planning and Quality Assurance as well as Prof. Akinlabi, Director Grants/ Research and Prof. Kayode Adekeye, Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic), University of The Gambia. Their rise to such positions of responsibility underscored the enduring success and relevance of the NTAC intervention in The Gambia.

In her remarks, Prof. Nazmat Surajudeen-Bakinde, herself a product of the NTAC Scheme, paid special tribute to the Government of Nigeria and the Director-General of NTAC for their unwavering support to higher education development in The Gambia.

She acknowledged the significant contributions of Nigerian professionals to the growth and transformation of tertiary education in the country.

The NTAC DG also commended The Gambia’s Minister of Higher Education, Research, Science and Technology, Prof. Pierre Gomez, for his steadfast commitment to the success of the partnership between NTAC and The Gambia.

He recalled that Prof. Gomez initiated discussions aimed at strengthening collaboration with NTAC as early as his second day in office, demonstrating remarkable dedication to educational advancement and human capital development.

The ceremony featured the conferment of Degrees, Diplomas and Certificates on 951 graduands across various disciplines. The University also presented Awards for Academic Excellence to outstanding students, with awardees attaining impressive academic performances ranging from 70.03 per cent to 91.50 per cent.
Awards of recognition were equally presented to deserving dignitaries and distinguished personalities.

Among the recipients was the Director-General of NTAC, Rt. Hon. Yusuf Buba Yakub, who received his award from President Adama Barrow in recognition of NTAC’s outstanding contributions to capacity building and educational development in The Gambia.

In her valedictory address, the Valedictorian expressed appreciation to the World Bank for its support to the institution and thanked the Vice Chancellor and Management of USET for their encouragement and commitment to student success. While congratulating her graduating colleagues with the declaration, “We made it!”, she urged the continuing students to remain resolute, uphold integrity and pursue excellence, adding that “Here at USET, we don’t take the best; we make the best.”

Also in attendance were the Chairperson of the Governing Council of USET, Engr. Ebrima Cham, the Honourable Minister of Technical and Higher Education of Sierra Leone, Dr. Haja Ramatulai Wurie, members of the diplomatic corps, senior government officials, academics, development partners and other distinguished guests.

The event once again highlighted the enduring impact of the Nigerian Technical Aid Corps Scheme as a strategic instrument of Nigeria’s foreign policy and South-South Cooperation, fostering human capital development, institutional strengthening and lasting bilateral relations between Nigeria and The Gambia.

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Nigeria at 66: ‘We Must Not Lose Faith in Nigeria’ — FCC Boss Omidiran

Published

15 hours ago

October 1, 2026

The Gleamer

Joel Ajayi

The Executive Chairman of the Federal Character Commission (FCC), Honorable Hulayat Motunrayo Omidiran, has called on Nigerians to use the occasion of the nation’s 66th Independence Anniversary to renew their faith in Nigeria, strengthen national unity and recommit themselves to building a more inclusive and prosperous country.

In her 66th Independence Day message, Hon. Omidiran described October 1 as more than a celebration of freedom, saying the anniversary provides an opportunity for Nigerians to reflect on the country’s journey, acknowledge its progress and challenges, and renew the collective determination to build a nation where every citizen has a sense of belonging.

According to the FCC Executive Chairman, the Federal Character Principle remains particularly important to the quest for national cohesion because equitable representation promotes a sense of ownership and confidence in the Nigerian project.

“Nigeria is a nation of great diversity and
enormous potential. Our responsibility is to ensure that this diversity becomes a bridge that connects us rather than a barrier that separates us. Every Nigerian deserves to feel that he or she belongs to this country and has a role to play in its development,” Omidiran said.

The FCC boss called on government institutions at all levels to remain committed to fairness, equity, accountability and inclusive governance, while urging citizens to support efforts aimed at strengthening national institutions and promoting peaceful coexistence.

“We must not lose faith in Nigeria. The challenges before us are real, but so are the opportunities and the enormous human and natural resources available to us. Every citizen has a responsibility to contribute his or her own quota to building the Nigeria we desire,” she stated.

The FCC Executive Chairman also urged young Nigerians to remain committed to acquiring knowledge and skills, entrepreneurship, innovation, sports and other productive ventures, describing the youth as critical stakeholders in the country’s future.

“As we celebrate 66 years of independence, let us remember that the Nigeria we want cannot be built by government alone. It requires the commitment of all of us – leaders and citizens, young and old, from every part of the federation. Together, we can build a Nigeria where justice, fairness, opportunity and peace are available to all,” she said.

Omidiran reaffirmed the FCC’s commitment to the effective discharge of its constitutional mandate and to supporting efforts that promote equitable representation and inclusive national development across the federation.

The former lawmaker wished Nigerians at home and abroad a peaceful and memorable 66th Independence Anniversary, praying for continued peace, stability, prosperity and progress for the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

“Our differences should never be greater than our common identity as Nigerians. Let us continue to choose unity over division, service over self-interest and hope over despair. The Nigeria of our dreams is possible if we all play our part,” Omidiran said.

“On behalf of the Federal Character Commission, I congratulate all Nigerians on this 66th Independence Anniversary. May this occasion renew our patriotism, strengthen our unity and inspire us to work together for a stronger, more equitable and prosperous Nigeria. May God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” she added.

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