…Says every kobo spent on TAC scheme not a waste
From Aidoghie Paulinus, Abuja
The Director-General of the Nigeria Technical Aid Corps (NTAC), Yusuf Buba Yakub, has said that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is totally committed to the welfare of all volunteers participating in the NTAC biennial programme across the globe.
Buba stated this in Abuja during the orientation/departure for 22 TAC volunteers scheduled for deployment and reception for 15 TAC volunteer returnees from The Gambia respectively.
While lauding the government for its commitment to placing Nigeria as a global giant, Buba also said that Nigeria was not lacking in the skills being deployed for technical assistance to our sister-nations across Africa, the Caribbean and Pacific countries.
He added that every kobo spent in implementing the TAC programme is spent on Nigerian citizens wherever they may be posted to serve across the world.
Buba, in a show of commitment to Nigeria’s foreign policy of development cooperation and international solidarity, further said the TAC volunteers had over the past 38 years, demonstrated to their host countries that Nigeria had so much to offer to humanity in terms of quality technical manpower in all fields of learning and was, therefore, well-positioned to continue to promote the noble goals of the TAC Scheme.
In the joint transition ceremonies for Volunteers returning from and departing to The Gambia, NTAC celebrated the fifteen returning experts from the University of The Gambia, who have served in various capacities for two years, and also formally dispatched twenty-two new volunteers ready to embark on a similar service.
The TAC DG commended both groups for their dedication to national service and praised the current administration’s 4D foreign policy, particularly the pillar of development, under which the TAC scheme thrives.
He highlighted that Nigeria is not losing resources by sending volunteers abroad; rather, it is building human capital and global credibility and influence.
Buba said: “When a fish is raised in a river, it can only go so far. But when raised in the ocean, it becomes a leader among its kind. You are ocean-bred now, go forward and lead.”
Buba also emphasised that the TAC volunteers should return to Nigeria as better professionals like their counterparts in the academia who usually undertake sabbatical trips abroad for better experience and career advancement.
To the returning volunteers, the DG expressed appreciation for their accomplishments and resilience, noting that they not only developed The Gambia, but also gained valuable knowledge for Nigeria’s growth.
He cited inspiring results from their work such as the establishment of the first psychology programme in the University they served, the launch of a Department of Forestry and other new departments, including the graduation of the first MSc and PhD candidates under their mentorship.
To the outgoing team, Buba charged them to serve with dignity, reminding them that they are ambassadors of Nigeria.
He assured them of the government’s support through allowances and welfare, while the host country, in line with the tripartite country agreement entered into with the volunteers, The Gambia and the Federal Government of Nigeria, represented by NTAC, would provide housing, utilities, and local transport.
He also emphasized that complaints would be addressed promptly via the Nigerian Embassy in The Gambia.
In his remarks, the Team Leader of the returning set of volunteers, Professor Joseph Kur, thanked the Federal Government for the opportunity to serve the country outside its shores.
He reflected emotionally on their journey and how the Nigerian Technical Aid Corps proved itself as worthy parents to the volunteers throughout their two-year sojourn in The Gambia.
Also speaking, the Team Leader of the new set of Volunteers, Professor Abubakar Musa Kundiri, expressed gratitude to the President and the NTAC leadership.
Kundiri pledged that the 22 Volunteers carefully chosen for impact and results would serve with honour and dignity for Nigeria.
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