………As NTAC Deploys 18 Volunteers to Rwanda, Charges Them to Uphold Nigeria’s Image.
The Nigerian Technical Aid Corps (NTAC) has deployed eighteen Nigerian volunteers to the Republic of Rwanda, charging them to demonstrate professionalism, humility, discipline and commitment to service while representing Nigeria in their host institutions.
The volunteers, comprising professionals scheduled for deployment to the Catholic University of Rwanda and Protestant University of Rwanda, received the charge from the Director-General/Chief Executive Officer of NTAC, Rt. Hon. Yusuf Buba Yakub, during an orientation and briefing exercise held in Abuja.
In his statement, the Director-General expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the renewed support and attention given to the Technical Aid Corps programme. He noted that the programme had moved from a period of decline before 2023 to what he described as its highest peak under the present administration.
According to the DG, the administration’s renewed commitment has revitalised the programme, with Nigerian volunteers now being deployed regularly to different parts of Africa, the Caribbean and the Pacific.
Rt. Hon. Yakub also acknowledged the support of the Honourable Minister of Foreign Affairs and the Honourable Minister of State for Foreign Affairs towards the successful implementation of the programme.
He explained that NTAC, established 38 years ago and backed by an Act of the National Assembly in 1993, remains an important instrument of Nigeria’s soft-power diplomacy, through which the country has built enduring relationships and strengthened its international influence.
He disclosed that the programme has, over the years, deployed more than 10,000 Nigerian experts to over 40 countries across Africa, the Caribbean and the Pacific, making significant contributions to education, human-capital development and the socio-economic advancement of host countries.
“You are going out to Rwanda not only to impact knowledge in the citizens and students you are going to teach, but also to represent Nigeria. As you see yourself wearing this green blazer, you will not be called by your individual names when you are there; the citizens of Rwanda will see you as Nigeria. All they see is Nigeria. So, all your conduct is Nigeria. If you do well, then the name of Nigeria will be there in a good light,” the DG said.
Rt. Hon. Yakub urged the volunteers to regard their deployment as an opportunity to serve humanity and make Nigeria proud. He charged them to remain humble, adaptable, disciplined and dedicated to their assignments, stressing that their conduct in Rwanda would reflect directly on the image of Nigeria.
He reminded the volunteers that their selection followed a rigorous process involving thousands of applicants, interviews and other stages of assessment. He encouraged them to build on the achievements of previous NTAC volunteers who had distinguished themselves in their host countries, including those who had risen to become Vice-Chancellors and Deputy Vice-Chancellors, as well as others appointed to significant positions by foreign governments.
The DG challenged the new volunteers to surpass the achievements of their predecessors and return to Nigeria with accomplishments that would further strengthen the reputation of the Technical Aid Corps programme.
He assured the volunteers that the Nigerian Government would provide for their welfare, including allowances, air tickets and other necessary provisions. He further informed them that the Nigerian Embassy in Rwanda would serve as their guardian and point of support throughout their assignment.
Rt. Hon. Buba Yakub directed the volunteers to adhere strictly to the rules of engagement, agreements and conditions governing their deployment. He cautioned them against abandoning their assignments without proper authorisation or engaging in conduct capable of undermining the image of Nigeria.
The DG also disclosed that Nigeria was advancing towards a new phase of labour export, with arrangements underway for the deployment of Nigerian skilled professionals abroad for a fee.
According to him, Jamaica is expected to be among the first beneficiaries of the emerging initiative, while an agreement has also recently been signed with Thailand. He said the initiative would provide dignified employment opportunities for Nigerians, discourage illegal migration and contribute to reducing unemployment, particularly among Nigerian youths.
He stressed that the development represented an important step towards positioning Nigeria not only as an exporter of crude oil and agricultural products, but increasingly as an exporter of skilled human resources and professional labour.
Earlier, the Director of Programmes, NTAC, Amb. Bello A. Jaye, welcomed the Director-General, senior management officials and the prospective volunteers to the orientation and briefing exercise.
Amb. Jaye expressed appreciation to the DG for his support throughout the rigorous selection and deployment process, noting that the successful volunteers were selected from thousands of applicants after interviews and other stages of assessment.
He congratulated the volunteers on their selection and urged them to appreciate the opportunity by approaching their assignments with seriousness, professionalism and commitment.
Responding on behalf of the volunteers scheduled for the Protestant University of Rwanda, the Team Lead, Prof. Abdul-Azeez Isiaka Adeyemi, expressed appreciation to the NTAC management for the guidance and preparation provided ahead of their deployment.
He assured the DG that the team would use the guidance received during the orientation as a daily reference throughout their assignment and would strive to return as worthy ambassadors of Nigeria.
Similarly, the Team Lead for the Catholic University of Rwanda team, Dr. Idris Muhammad Ladan, thanked the NTAC management and officials involved in the deployment process for their dedication and professionalism.
He assured the DG and NTAC management that the volunteers would give their best, represent Nigeria positively and make the organisation proud throughout their stay in Rwanda.
The eighteen volunteers are expected to proceed to the Catholic University of Rwanda and Protestant University of Rwanda, respectively, upon completion of the necessary deployment arrangements.
Their deployment further underscores the renewed commitment of the Nigerian Government to technical cooperation, human-capital development and the strategic use of soft power in advancing Nigeria’s international relations.
Signed
Ojo Adetoun Olubunmi anipr,
Head, Information & Public Relations Unit
Nigerian Technical Aid Corps (NTAC)
Ministry of Foreign Affairs
27 August 2026
