………..AS NTAC Hosts Transition Ceremonies for 22 Volunteers to and 15 Others from The Gambia, Celebrates Achievements and Future Prospects of the Agency.
THE NTAC Director-General, Rt. Hon. Yusuf Buba Yakub has emphasised that President Bola Tinubu is totally committed to the welfare of all Volunteers participating in the NTAC biennial programme across the globe.
While lauding the government for its commitment to placing Nigeria as a global giant, the DG informed that Nigeria was not lacking in the skills being deployed for Technical Assistance to Sister-nations across Africa, the Caribbean and Pacific countries, adding that, every kobo spent in implementing the TAC programme is spent on Nigerian citizens wherever they may be posted to serve across the world.
Buba, who stated the above in a show of commitment to Nigeria’s Foreign Policy of Development, Cooperation and International solidarity hosted at the Nigerian Technical Aid Corps, Friday, in Abuja, said the TAC Volunteers have over the past 38 years demonstrated to their host countries that Nigeria has so much to offer to humanity in terms of quality Technical Manpower in all fields of learning and is, therefore, well-positioned to continue to promote the noble goals of the TAC Scheme.
In the joint transition ceremonies for Volunteers returning from and departing to The Gambia, NTAC today celebrated the fifteen returning experts from the University of The Gambia, who have served in various capacities for two years, and also formally dispatched twenty-two new Volunteers ready to embark on a similar service.
Speaking at the event, the Director-General of NTAC, Rt. Hon. Yusuf Buba Yakub, commended both groups for their dedication to national service. He praised the current administration’s 4D foreign policy – particularly the pillar of Development, under which the TAC scheme thrives. He highlighted that Nigeria is not losing resources by sending volunteers abroad; rather, it is building human capital, global credibility and influence.
He said:
“When fish is raised in a river, it can only go so far. But when in the ocean, it becomes a leader among its kind. You are ocean-bred now – go forward and lead,” emphasizing that the TAC Volunteers return to Nigeria as better professionals like their counterparts in the academia who usually undertake sabbatical abroad for better experience and career advancement.
To the returning Volunteers, the DG expressed appreciation for their accomplishments and resilience, noting that they not only developed The Gambia but also gained valuable knowledge for Nigeria’s growth. He cited inspiring results from their work, such as the establishment of the first Psychology programme in the University of service, the launch of a Department of Forestry and other new Departments, including the graduation of the first MSc and PhD candidates under their mentorship.
To the outgoing team, Buba again charged them to serve with dignity, reminding them that they are ambassadors of Nigeria. He assured them of the government’s support through allowances and welfare, while the host country, in line with the tripartite Country Agreement entered into with the Volunteers, The Gambia and the Federal Government of Nigeria, represented by NTAC, would provide housing, utilities, and local transport. He encouraged them to make good use of the Nigerian Embassy in The Gambia emphasizing that complaints would be addressed promptly via the Embassy.
The Team Leader of the returning set of Volunteers, Professor Joseph Kur, thanked the Federal Government for the opportunity to serve the country outside its shores. He reflected emotionally on their journey and how the Nigerian Technical Aid Corps proved itself as worthy parents to the Volunteers throughout their 2-year sojourn in The Gambia.
He noted that their exemplary service earned each of the 15 Volunteers commendation and various accolades that have been rightly captured in the Certificates of Excellent Service awarded to each Volunteer by their host University, The University of The Gambia and thanked God that 15 of them who undertook the journey to The Gambia came home alive.
In his remarks, Professor Abubakar Musa Kundiri, the Team Lead of the new set of Volunteers being deployed, expressed gratitude to the President and the NTAC leadership. He pledged that the 22 Volunteers carefully chosen for impact and results would serve with honour and dignity.
The event concluded with group photographs, symbolizing continuity, resilience, and NTAC’s enduring role in using Technical Expertise as a tool of Diplomacy and Development.
Signed:
Ojo Adetoun Olubunmi anipr
Head (Information and Public Relations)
August 1st, 2025
