By Biola Lawal
Abuja (FLOWERBUDNEWS): The Director General of the Nigerian Technical Aid Corps (NTAC), Rt. Hon. Yusuf Buba Yakub has appreciated Pres. Bola Ahmed Tinubu,
says he, the President, has made TAC function optimally since he assumed power.
Rt.-Hon.. Buba Yakub gave the commendation on Monday in Abuja when he formally received eleven 11 volunteers returning from the Republic of Uganda after a successful completion of their two-year Technical Assistance assignments in various institutions in that country.
The NTAC DG, who also congratulated President Tinubu on his win in the APC Presidential primary election conducted over the weekend across the country. noted that NTAC operations has continued to reaffirm Nigeria’s Technical Diplomacy and Capacity Building Success_
The reception, during which a debriefing and support session was held, was part of the CORPS’ commitment to the welfare, monitoring and reintegration of returning volunteers under the Technical Aid Corps Scheme, a statement by Ojo Olubunmi, Head, NTAC Information and Public Relations, disclosed.
Rt.-Hon. Buba Yakub warmly welcomed the volunteers back to Nigeria and commended them for their patriotism, dedication, professionalism, and outstanding representation of the country while serving in Uganda.
He disclosed that many of the volunteers distinguished themselves through impactful service delivery, academic excellence, and professional contributions, earning awards, commendations, and recognition from both the Government of Uganda and their host institutions.
_“As you return to your various institutions in Nigeria, I am confident that the exposure and experience gained during the assignment will positively distinguish you among your peers and further enhance your contributions to national development,”_ the Director-General stated.
He further noted that the achievements recorded by the volunteers reflect the growing strength and relevance of the Technical Aid Corps Scheme as one of Nigeria’s foremost instruments of soft power diplomacy and South-South Cooperation.
The Director-General also appreciated the Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the NTAC management and staff, particularly the Department of Programmes, for their continued support, effective coordination, monitoring, and successful management of volunteers throughout the duration of the assignment.
Speaking on behalf of the returning volunteers, the team lead, Prof. Yusuf Ali Zoaka, expressed appreciation to the Director-General, NTAC management, the Honourable Minister of Foreign Affairs, and the Federal Government for providing a conducive and well-coordinated environment throughout their deployment in Uganda.
Prof. Zoaka highlighted the significant achievements recorded during the assignment, particularly in the area of academic and professional capacity building.
According to him, the volunteers supervised several Master’s and PhD candidates, supported newly established doctoral programmes, participated in academic development initiatives, and contributed immensely to the growth of their host institutions.
Prof. Zoaka further disclosed that some Ugandan institutions have already expressed interest in continued collaboration with the Nigerian scholars through future academic and professional engagements, owing to the remarkable impact made during the deployment.
The returning volunteers also appreciated the Federal Government for sustaining the Technical Aid Corps Scheme, which continued to strengthen Nigeria’s bilateral relations, promote Technical Cooperation, and project the country’s goodwill across Africa, the Caribbean, and the Pacific (ACP) countries.
The reception and debriefing session, which was also attended by members of the management team and staff of the Corps.
underscored NTAC’s unwavering commitment to the welfare, professional development, and successful reintegration of its volunteers after overseas assignments.
Established as a flagship foreign policy initiative of the Federal Government, the Nigerian Technical Aid Corps Scheme remains a critical medium for promoting South-South Cooperation, international partnership, capacity building, and the export of Nigeria’s Technical expertise and Human Capital, to developing countries across the
globe.
NTAC is an agency under the Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs. (FLOWERBUDNEWS)