The Nigerian Technical Aid Corps (NTAC), in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs, on Wednesday hosted a Hosting and Debriefing Support Session at the agency’s headquarters in Abuja to honour 25 Nigerian professionals who recently completed technical assistance assignments in The Gambia and Sierra Leone, reaffirming Nigeria’s commitment to regional development through technical cooperation.
The event brought together government officials, diplomats, academics, healthcare professionals, engineers and other stakeholders to celebrate the contributions of the returning volunteers, whose services have strengthened bilateral relations and enhanced Nigeria’s image across Africa.
Speaking at the ceremony, the Director-General of the Nigerian Technical Aid Corps, Dr. Yusuf Yakubu Buba, expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his continued support for the Nigerian Technical Aid Programme, describing it as one of Nigeria’s most effective instruments of diplomacy and international goodwill.
Dr. Buba disclosed that 14 volunteers were deployed to Sierra Leone, while 11 served in The Gambia, noting that the programme remains focused on projecting Nigeria positively through professional excellence and impactful service delivery in beneficiary countries.
He revealed that the Corps currently partners with more than 40 countries and has produced over 10,000 volunteers during its 38 years of uninterrupted operation, reinforcing Nigeria’s commitment to capacity building, sustainable development and South-South cooperation.
Highlighting the programme’s achievements, the Director-General said several Nigerian volunteers have risen to strategic leadership positions in institutions abroad, including serving as vice-chancellors and deputy vice-chancellors.
He particularly commended Prof. Nasmat Suraju Makinde, who currently serves as Vice-Chancellor at the University of Technology in The Gambia, describing her appointment as evidence of the competence and professionalism Nigerian experts continue to demonstrate on the international stage.
According to him, Nigerian volunteers have also made significant contributions to higher education in The Gambia, including supporting the successful graduation of 951 engineering students at the University of Applied Science, Engineering and Technology (USET).
Dr. Buba further announced that a publication on nursing practice developed through the Technical Aid Programme will soon be launched in collaboration with the Embassy of Sierra Leone, reflecting the programme’s growing impact on healthcare education and professional development.
During the debriefing session, the returning volunteers shared their experiences and reflected on the impact of their assignments.
Speaking on behalf of volunteers who served in Sierra Leone, Dr. Chizoba described the host country as welcoming and appreciative of the services rendered by the Nigerian team.
She said the volunteers made significant contributions to nursing practice, maternal healthcare and child health services, adding that their interventions helped improve child health outcomes through effective collaboration with local healthcare institutions.
Dr. Chizoba expressed gratitude to President Tinubu, the Federal Government and the leadership of the Nigerian Technical Aid Corps for the opportunity to serve humanity while representing Nigeria abroad.
Representing volunteers who served in The Gambia, Engineer Gbongi Katung described the assignment as professionally enriching and intellectually rewarding.
He commended the conducive working environment at the National Institute for Technology in The Gambia, noting that the experience strengthened professional collaboration and promoted meaningful knowledge exchange between Nigerian and Gambian professionals.
The event also recognised Comrade Dominic Ogakwu, President of Civil Society Groups for Good Governance, whose presence underscored the role of the media and civil society organisations in promoting national development and documenting Nigeria’s international engagements.
In his remarks, Ogakwu urged Nigerians to embrace a renewed sense of national pride, reiterating that Nigerian professionals continue to distinguish themselves globally through excellence, innovation and leadership.
He encouraged Nigerians to reject negative stereotypes and promote a more balanced narrative that reflects the resilience, competence and positive contributions of Nigerians on the global stage.
The event concluded with the presentation of Certificates of Service to the 25 returning volunteers by the Director-General in recognition of their patriotism, dedication and contributions to Nigeria’s foreign policy objectives.
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