By Gabriel Ameh, The Sight News
Abuja, Nigeria – The Nigerian Technical Aid Corps (NTAC) has marked a historic milestone, having deployed over 10,000 skilled Nigerian professionals to over 40 countries since its establishment in 1987. The announcement was made by the Director General of NTAC, Rt. Hon. Yusuf Buba Yakub, during a pre-deployment briefing on Tuesday in Abuja.
The latest cohort of 35 volunteers is set to depart for Zanzibar, Tanzania, where they will serve for two years in sectors including education, health, agriculture, and engineering — strengthening Nigeria’s commitment to South-South cooperation and soft power diplomacy.
Yakub emphasized that NTAC, originally created to replace monetary foreign aid with technical assistance, has evolved into a key driver of Nigeria’s foreign policy and a model of economic and diplomatic engagement.
“Our volunteers are not only deepening Nigeria’s ties with partner nations but are also transforming NTAC into a revenue-generating agency, while creating employment for many unemployed skilled Nigerians,” Yakub stated.
He praised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s 4D foreign policy agenda — Democracy, Development, Demography, and Diaspora — noting that it has helped reposition NTAC as a frontline agency in advancing Nigeria’s global influence.
Citing Gambia as a leading example, Yakub shared how Nigerian volunteers have helped shape the country’s academic landscape. “Several Gambian university leaders, including the current Deputy Vice Chancellor and key faculty members, are products of the Nigerian Technical Aid Corps. President Adama Barrow himself commended our efforts during my recent visit,” he recounted.
Addressing the outgoing volunteers, Yakub urged them to represent the nation with excellence and integrity. “You are ambassadors of Nigeria. In the spirit of Pan-Africanism and South-South collaboration, you are carrying our values and knowledge across borders,” he said.
The NTAC boss also disclosed plans to expand the agency’s reach by offering paid services in response to increasing demand and confidence in Nigerian expertise. “We are now exploring fee-based technical support, thanks to the success and impact of our volunteers,” he added.
Speaking on behalf of the team, Dr. Paul Conellous expressed appreciation for the opportunity to serve. “This is an honor and a duty. We are committed to making Nigeria proud and upholding the core values of NTAC,” he affirmed.
NTAC was created by an Act of Parliament in 1987 to promote technical cooperation with developing countries. Through volunteerism, it continues to serve as a bridge of solidarity, expertise, and shared development.
