The Director-General of the Nigerian Technical Aid Corps (NTAC), Dr. Yusuf-Buba Yakub, says Nigeria’s technical assistance programme is enhancing the country’s international image through skills transfer and diplomacy.
Speaking at a one-day stakeholders’ engagement between Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) and Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) on Tuesday in Abuja, Yakub said that more than 10,000 Nigerian professionals had been deployed to over 40 countries across Africa, the Caribbean and the Pacific in the past 39 years.
He said that Nigerian lecturers had strengthened higher education institutions abroad by supervising postgraduate research, introducing new academic programmes and improving academic standards.
“Many universities, hospitals and technical institutions owe significant improvements to Nigerian experts deployed under the TAC scheme.
“Today, in The Gambia, the vice-chancellors of two major higher institutions are Nigerians drawn directly from the TAC scheme. The same applies to deputy vice-chancellors, faculty deans and heads of departments,” he said.
Yakub said that Nigerian medical professionals had strengthened healthcare delivery in partner countries, especially in underserved communities where specialist services were previously unavailable.
He added that Nigerian legal experts had supported judicial reforms, legislative drafting and institutional development across several countries.
According to him, a former TAC volunteer recently drafted and presented the legislative code currently being used by The Gambia’s Parliament.
The NTAC boss described the scheme as one of Africa’s most successful models of South-South cooperation, enabling developing countries to share expertise rather than depend solely on assistance from developed nations.
He added that Nigeria remained at the forefront of the initiative, noting that the country currently serves on the 27-member steering committee of the Total Official Support for Sustainable Development (TOSSD).
Yakub said that NTAC had recorded significant achievements since its establishment, adding that its activities had expanded under the administration of President Bola Tinubu.
“Thousands of professionals have served in beneficiary countries across Africa, the Caribbean and the Pacific.
“Today, we have hundreds of volunteers serving across ACP countries, with many more expected to be deployed before the end of the year.
“NTAC has continued to break new ground by expanding its operations. Many institutions still benefit from systems established by Nigerian volunteers years after their departure.
“We have consistently promoted regional stability, enhanced Nigeria’s international reputation, supported African integration, pursued cost-effective foreign policy and strengthened bilateral relations,” he said.
According to local media reports, the engagement was organised by the Civil Society Group for Good Governance (CSGGG) in collaboration with the Integrity Advocacy for Development Initiative (IADI).
GIK/APA