The Nigerian Technical Aid Corps (NTAC) has proudly announced that four distinguished Nigerian professors have been selected to assume important roles in the University of Applied Science, Engineering, and Technology (USET) in The Gambia. This development is a significant achievement for both Nigeria and The Gambia, as it demonstrates the value of cross-border cooperation in education and technical development.
The announcement was made by Dr. Yusuf Yakub, the Director-General of NTAC, during a briefing in Abuja on Saturday. Yakub was speaking during a courtesy visit from The Gambia’s Minister of Higher Education, Research, Science, and Technology, Professor Gomez Pierre. This visit was an opportunity for both parties to discuss the growing collaboration between Nigeria and The Gambia in terms of technical aid, education, and shared expertise.
During the meeting, Yakub highlighted the outstanding professional expertise of the four professors, who were selected under the Technical Aid Corps (TAC) program. Their contributions have been so significant that they caught the attention of The Gambia’s Ministry of Higher Education, Research, Science, and Technology, leading to the establishment of a task force by the ministry’s Governing Council.
The task force was charged with the responsibility of validating the current Technical Aid Corps (TAC) volunteers serving in The Gambia and determining their suitability for key positions at USET. Following a thorough evaluation, the task force submitted a report recommending the appointment of these Nigerian professors to important positions within the university.
According to Dr. Yakub, the report from the task force played a crucial role in The Gambia’s decision to request the endorsement of the Nigerian authorities for the appointment of the four professors. “The report of the task force says that the Gambian ministry has requested the endorsement from the Nigerian authorities for their appointment,” he said. This request was formalized in a letter addressed to the Nigerian Mission in Kanifing, The Gambia, and was also copied to NTAC’s Director-General. The letter was received in Abuja on Friday.
The positions were created in response to vacancies that will soon be open, particularly with the imminent conclusion of the tenure of the current Vice-Chancellor of USET, Professor Samuel Owusu-Ofori. Professor Owusu-Ofori’s tenure will officially end on September 30, creating a significant gap in leadership that the selected Nigerian professors will help to fill.
The four professors who have been appointed to these prestigious positions are:
- Professor Nazmat Surajudeen-Bakinde – Vice-Chancellor.
- Professor Yusuf Abdulfatah – Vice-Chancellor (Academics).
- Professor Akinlabi Oyetunji – Director, Research and Grants.
- Professor David Gundu – Director of Academic Planning and Quality Assurance.
These individuals are highly qualified and well-regarded in their respective fields, making them excellent choices to lead USET in its mission to advance applied science, engineering, and technology education in The Gambia. The expertise they bring will not only benefit USET but will also strengthen the ties between Nigeria and The Gambia, particularly in the field of education.
Dr. Yakub emphasized that the deployment of these volunteers to The Gambia earlier this year was part of Nigeria’s broader Technical Aid Corps (TAC) scheme, which is designed to provide technical assistance to countries in need. The TAC program is a 24-month scheme that allows Nigerian professionals to share their skills and knowledge with other countries, primarily in Africa, with the aim of fostering development and collaboration.
“The move by the Gambian authorities remained significant, as it highlighted the strong partnership between the country and Nigeria in the areas of education and technical cooperation,” Yakub noted.
The Gambia has been a long-time participant in Nigeria’s TAC program and has greatly benefited from the expertise of Nigerian professionals. “The Gambia remains one of the first and highest country subscribers to the TAC Scheme, and it has at the last count, received over 12,000 Nigerians as Volunteers since the establishment of TAC in 1987,” Yakub added. These volunteers have contributed to a wide range of sectors in The Gambia, including engineering, law, and medicine, helping to bolster the country’s capacity in critical areas.
The success of the TAC program, especially in The Gambia, is a testament to Nigeria’s commitment to regional development and cooperation. Since its establishment in 1987, the program has facilitated the deployment of thousands of Nigerian professionals to countries across Africa, where they have worked to improve various sectors. The TAC program not only provides much-needed technical assistance to countries like The Gambia, but it also helps to strengthen diplomatic ties between Nigeria and its neighbors.
The selection of these Nigerian professors also serves as a source of pride for Nigeria, as it demonstrates the country’s ability to produce highly qualified professionals who are recognized and sought after internationally. It is a clear indication of the strength of Nigeria’s educational system and the quality of its human capital.
The appointment of the four Nigerian professors to key positions at USET in The Gambia is a significant milestone in the relationship between the two countries. It highlights the importance of technical cooperation and the role that education plays in fostering development.
