NTAC Receives 11 Volunteers Returning from Uganda

The Nigerian Technical Aid Corps, NTAC has formally received 11 returning volunteers from the Republic of Uganda following the successful completion of their two-year Technical Assistance assignments in various institutions across the country.

In a statement, the Head of Information and Public Relations, Mrs Ojo Olobunmi said that the volunteers were received during a debriefing and support session held at the NTAC Complex in Abuja.

This is part of the Corps’ commitment to the welfare, monitoring, and reintegration of returning volunteers under the Technical Aid Corps Scheme.

Speaking during the reception, the Director-General and Chief Executive officer of the NTAC, Dr. Yusuf Yakub commended President Bola Tinubu for enabling NTAC to function optimally since he came on board in 2023 and congratulated him on his win in the APC primary election conducted over the weekend.

Dr Yakub warmly welcomed the volunteers back to Nigeria and commended them for their patriotism, dedication, professionalism, and outstanding representation of the country while serving abroad.

The NTAC Director General noted 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 observed 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 appreciated the Nigerian President, 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 the volunteers throughout the duration of the assignment.

Speaking on behalf of the returning volunteers, the team lead, Professor Yusuf Zoaka, expressed profound appreciation to the Director-General, NTAC management, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, and the Nigerian Government for providing a conducive and well-coordinated environment throughout their deployment in Uganda.

Professor 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.

He 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 Nigerian Government for sustaining the Technical Aid Corps Scheme, which continues to strengthen Nigeria’s bilateral relations, promote Technical Cooperation, and project the country’s goodwill across Africa, the Caribbean, and the Pacific countries.

The reception and debriefing session underscore 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 Nigerian Government, the Nigerian Technical Aid Corps (NTAC) Scheme remains a key platform for promoting South-South Cooperation, international partnerships, capacity building, and the export of Nigeria’s technical expertise and human capital to developing countries across the world.