Nigeria-Gambia Relations Strengthened as NTAC Professors to Lead Gambian University…selects four Nigerian Professors for Key positions in University Administration.
By Caroline Ameh
In a step towards bolstering Nigeria-Gambia relations, four Nigerian professors with engineering expertise are set to assume leadership positions at the University of Applied Science, Engineering, and Technology (USET) in The Gambia. The appointments follow the submission of a report by a special task force established by The Gambia’s Ministry of Higher Education, Research, Science and Technology, in collaboration with the governing council of USET.
The Ministry has formally requested Nigerian authorities to endorse these appointments. A letter of endorsement was addressed to the Nigerian Mission in Kanifing and copied to the Director General of the Nigerian Technical Aid Corps (NTAC), Rt. Hon. Yusuf Buba Yakub. This letter was received on Friday in Abuja.
The selected professors will fill critical roles left by the imminent departure of USET’s current Vice Chancellor, Prof. Samuel Owusu-Ofori, whose tenure ends on September 30, 2024. After a comprehensive selection process, the following professors have been chosen for their respective roles:
- Vice Chancellor: Nazmat Surajudeen-Bakinde
- Vice Chancellor (Academics): Prof. Ado Yusuf Abdulfatah
- Director, Research and Grants: Prof. Akinlabi Oyetunji
- Director, Academic Planning and Quality Assurance: Prof. David Terfa Gundu
These appointments follow the deployment of these volunteer professors by NTAC earlier in the year as part of Nigeria’s 24-month Technical Aid Corps scheme, which provides crucial technical assistance to The Gambia. This latest move underscores the growing partnership between Nigeria and The Gambia in education and technical cooperation.
The Gambia has long been a strong partner in the TAC Scheme and remains one of its largest subscribers. Since its establishment in 1987, the scheme has deployed over 12,000 Nigerian volunteers, including engineers, lawyers, and medical professionals, to The Gambia, significantly enhancing bilateral ties.
