The Republic of The Gambia has commended the Federal Government of Nigeria and the Nigerian Technical Aid Corps (NTAC) for their sustained support to the country’s education sector through the deployment of highly skilled Nigerian Technical Aid Volunteers.
The commendation came on Thursday during a courtesy visit by the Honourable Minister of Higher Education, Research, Science and Technology of The Gambia, Prof. Pierre Gomez, to the Director-General/Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Technical Aid Corps, Rt. Hon. Yusuf Buba Yakub, at the NTAC Complex, Abuja.
Leading a high-powered delegation that included the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Ms Isatou Auber, a representative of the World Bank and other senior officials, Prof. Gomez said the visit was to convey the appreciation of the Government and people of The Gambia for Nigeria’s invaluable contributions to human capital development in the country.
According to the Minister, Nigerian Technical Aid Volunteers have played pivotal roles in developing new engineering and postgraduate programmes, supporting the transformation of The Gambia College into the University of Education, and strengthening higher education quality assurance through reforms modelled after Nigeria’s Core Curriculum and Minimum Academic Standards (CCMAS).
He noted that Nigerian professionals currently serving as the Vice-Chancellor and Deputy Vice-Chancellor of the University of Education have continued to provide exemplary leadership, while also commending NTAC’s support for reforms in Early Childhood Development and teacher education.
Prof. Gomez described Nigeria’s Technical Aid Corps Scheme as a shining example of African solidarity and South-South Cooperation, adding that despite resource constraints, NTAC has remained steadfast in supporting The Gambia’s educational development. He also invited the Director-General of NTAC to again visit The Gambia to further experience their hospitality.
Responding, the Director-General of NTAC, Rt. Hon. Yusuf Buba Yakub, thanked the Gambian delegation for the visit and reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to strengthening educational and technical cooperation with The Gambia.
He expressed appreciation to the Government and people of The Gambia for the warm reception consistently accorded Nigerian volunteers, describing the country as his “second home.” He assured the delegation that NTAC would continue, within available resources, to prioritise the deployment of qualified Nigerian professionals to support The Gambia’s development aspirations.
The Director-General commended the educational reforms being undertaken by the Gambian Government, particularly the introduction of degree programmes in Early Childhood Development, describing the initiative as a strategic investment in Africa’s future. He stressed that exposing children to innovation and practical learning from an early age remains essential for building a globally competitive workforce.
Rt. Hon. Yakub also conveyed the goodwill of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR , and the Honourable Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, reaffirming Nigeria’s commitment to strengthening the longstanding bilateral relations between both countries.
The visit further reinforced the enduring partnership between Nigeria and The Gambia and highlighted the strategic role of the Nigerian Technical Aid Corps in advancing educational development, institutional capacity building and South-South Cooperation across Africa.
Signed:
Ojo Adetoun Olubunmi, anipr
Head, Information & Public Relations,
Nigerian Technical Aid Corps (NTAC)
6 August 2026
