…As NTAC Hosts Transition Ceremonies for 22 Volunteers to and 15 Others from The Gambia, Celebrates Achievements and Future Prospects

By Joel Ajayi

The Director-General of the Nigerian Technical Aid Corps (NTAC), Rt. Hon. Yusuf Buba Yakub, has reiterated President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s unwavering commitment to the welfare of all NTAC volunteers serving in various parts of the world under the agency’s biennial programme.

Yakub emphasized that every kobo spent on the scheme is an investment in Nigerians, as the programme not only enhances national image but builds human capital and promotes global development cooperation.

He made this known in a statement signed by the Head of Information and Public Relations, Ojo Adetoun Olubunmi, on Friday, during a transition ceremony hosted at the NTAC headquarters in Abuja.

According to him, “President Tinubu is totally committed to the welfare of all volunteers. Every kobo spent in implementing the TAC programme is spent on Nigerians, wherever they are posted across the world to serve.”

The DG further stressed Nigeria’s growing recognition as a source of quality technical manpower and reaffirmed the country’s dedication to its foreign policy of development, cooperation, and international solidarity. “Nigeria is not lacking in the skills required for technical assistance to sister nations in Africa, the Caribbean, and Pacific regions,” he noted.

The occasion marked the joint transition of 15 returning volunteers who completed their two-year assignments at the University of The Gambia, and the formal deployment of 22 new volunteers embarking on similar missions.

Speaking at the event, Yakub commended both the outgoing and returning groups for their dedication and professionalism, highlighting the success of Nigeria’s 4D Foreign Policy strategy — especially the Development pillar under which NTAC operates.

He described the service rendered abroad not as a loss to Nigeria but a strategic gain in terms of international reputation, knowledge transfer, and professional development. Using a vivid metaphor, Yakub said, “When fish is raised in a river, it can only go so far. But in the ocean, it becomes a leader among its kind. You are ocean-bred now — go forward and lead.”

He likened the volunteers’ experience to an academic sabbatical, where they return more refined and prepared to contribute meaningfully to Nigeria’s development.

To the returning volunteers, he expressed deep appreciation for their impact, noting notable achievements such as the establishment of the first Psychology programme at the University of The Gambia, the launch of a Department of Forestry, and the mentorship of the institution’s first MSc and PhD graduates.

Addressing the newly deployed team, Yakub charged them to serve with dignity, reminding them of their role as Nigerian ambassadors. He assured them of the Federal Government’s support through allowances and other welfare provisions, while the host country, in line with the Tripartite Country Agreement, would provide housing, utilities, and local transport.

He further advised them to maintain close communication with the Nigerian Embassy in The Gambia, assuring that any complaints or challenges would be swiftly addressed through the proper diplomatic channels.

In a heartfelt address, Professor Joseph Kur, team leader of the returning volunteers, thanked the Federal Government and NTAC for the opportunity to serve abroad. He described their two-year mission as rewarding and transformative, both professionally and personally. He noted with pride that all 15 volunteers returned safely and were each honored with Certificates of Excellent Service by the University of The Gambia.

Professor Abubakar Musa Kundiri, the team lead of the outgoing volunteers, expressed gratitude to President Tinubu and the NTAC leadership. He pledged that the 22 carefully selected professionals would serve with integrity and bring positive impact to their host institutions.

The event concluded with group photographs, symbolizing unity, transition, and NTAC’s enduring commitment to using technical expertise as a powerful tool for diplomacy, development, and national pride.

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