President Tinubu Committed to Volunteer Welfare – NTAC DG Buba Yakub…as it holds transition Ceremony for 37 Volunteers to and from The Gambia.
By Caroline Ameh
The Director-General of the Nigerian Technical Aid Corps (NTAC), Rt. Hon. Yusuf Buba Yakub, has reaffirmed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s commitment to the welfare of Nigerian professionals deployed under the TAC scheme, stating that every kobo spent on the programme is an investment in Nigerian citizens.
Yakub made the remarks during a transition ceremony held Friday at the NTAC headquarters in Abuja to honour 15 returning volunteers from The Gambia and formally deploy 22 others to the same country for a new two-year assignment.
The Director-General commended the Volunteers’ contributions to Nigeria’s foreign policy objectives, describing the scheme as a vital tool of diplomacy, development cooperation, and international solidarity. He noted that the Technical Aid Corps programme, which has run for nearly four decades, continues to showcase Nigeria’s wealth of technical expertise across Africa, the Caribbean, and Pacific regions.
“Every kobo spent on this programme is spent on Nigerians. We are not losing anything by sending volunteers abroad; rather, we are expanding Nigeria’s human capital and boosting our global influence,” Buba said.
He lauded the outgoing Volunteers as ambassadors of Nigeria, urging them to serve with dignity and dedication. He reminded them that their welfare is a priority for both the Nigerian government and their host country under the tripartite agreement. While Nigeria provides allowances and oversight, The Gambia is expected to cover housing, transportation, and basic utilities.
Using a metaphor, Yakub told the new volunteers, “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.”
Addressing the returning volunteers, the DG expressed pride in their achievements, which include the launch of the first Psychology programme at the University of The Gambia, the establishment of new departments including Forestry, and the successful mentoring of MSc and PhD graduates.
Professor Joseph Kur, the team leader of the returning batch, reflected emotionally on the team’s two-year stay. He praised NTAC’s unwavering support and highlighted that each of the 15 volunteers received commendations and Certificates of Excellent Service from the host institution.
“We went as a team and we returned as a family—all 15 of us alive. That in itself is a blessing,” Kur said.
Professor Abubakar Musa Kundiri, who is leading the new set of 22 Volunteers, thanked President Tinubu and NTAC for the opportunity to serve. He pledged that the new team, carefully selected for impact, would uphold the honour and dignity of Nigeria throughout their service.
