Africa-Press – Gambia. Twenty (20) professionals serving under the banner of Nigerian Technical Aid Corps (NTAC) Monday commenced their tour of duty in the Gambia.
This is part of Federal Republic of Nigeria’s support towards enhancing the academic development of higher education institutions across The Gambia.
Speaking at the commencement ceremony held at Nigerian High Commissioner’s Office in Kanifing, Gambia’s Minister of Higher Education, Professor Pierre Gomez described the initiative as a testament to the enduring bonds of solidarity and cooperation between the two countries.
According to him, this marks another milestone in the shared commitment to advancing higher education and national development.
“The arrival of these twenty (20) highly skilled volunteers underscores the unwavering support of the Nigerian government and the NTAC organisation toward The Gambia’s Higher Education Transformation Agenda,” he said.
“Their expertise will be instrumental in bolstering the capacities of our institutions, particularly the newly transformed University of Education, The Gambia (formerly Gambia College), the University of The Gambia, the Civil Service University and the National Accreditation and Quality Assurance Authority (NAQAA). Their roles in leadership, technical assistance, and knowledge transfer will undoubtedly elevate the quality of education and institutional governance in our country,” he added.
Prof. Pierre notes that they have high expectations in the cohort of NTAC volunteers adding that their deployment comes at a pivotal moment in the evolution of the education sector.
“We are confident that their contributions will reflect the highest standards of professionalism, innovation, and dedication,” he emphasized. Professor Gomez thanked the Nigerian High Commission for its tireless efforts in facilitating the partnership and ensuring the smooth transition of the volunteers.
Charge D’ Affairs of the Nigerian High Commission, Mr Mohammed Usman Mainsara also said Nigeria had been involved in the technical manpower assistance as a soft power diplomacy to African, Caribbean and pacific countries since its inception in 1987.
He noted that the collaboration between both countries remained a cornerstone of their shared mission to foster institutional development and knowledge transfer to countries in dire need.
“The Gambia has been a beneficiary of this policy since August, 2009, when an agreement was signed between our two countries. Ordinarily, when the volunteers are sent to a country in need, Nigeria sends some of its best who have been well trained to such countries,” he noted.
“It is very important to mention that Nigeria pays the passages, resettlement and the off-shore allowances throughout their tour of duty which is usually for the period of 2 years,” he added.
The representative of Nigeria Technical Aid Corps (NTAC), Fehintola Adebowale remarked: “Over the years, through rigorous selection process, NTAC volunteers are carefully selected based on the request exchange consideration of the CVs and acceptance by the recipient ACP countries.”
“Nigeria with her pool of excellent human resources, ranging from medical, education, tax experts, judiciary and several other spheres of human endeavour is poised on leveraging on her demographic advantage in rendering assistance to ACP countries,” Adebowale added.
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