President Adama Barrow of Gambia has expressed profound gratitude for Nigeria’s significant contributions towards advancing education and technical expertise in his country.
In a statement issued by Mr Nkem Anyata-Lafia, Special Assistant on Media and Publicity to the Director-General of the Nigerian Technical Aid Corps (NTAC), President Barrow praised the outstanding efforts of Nigerian professors volunteering in Gambian institutions.
Speaking during the 17th Convocation Ceremony of the University of The Gambia in Banjul, President Barrow, who serves as Chancellor of the university, acknowledged the transformational impact these volunteers have had on the nation’s educational sector.
He remarked, “The ongoing support from the Nigerian Technical Aid Corps has been instrumental to our development. The deployment of highly skilled professors across various disciplines highlights Nigeria’s invaluable contribution to Africa and the wider world.”
Also speaking at the event, the Director-General of NTAC, Mr Yusuf Yakub, expressed his delight at the growing international recognition of the Corps’ mission. He credited the Nigerian government’s commitment to global development, highlighting the initiative as a vital pillar of Nigeria’s foreign policy.
Mr Yakub further commended President Bola Tinubu for his 4-D Foreign Policy Initiative, noting, “Our President’s visionary leadership has shown Nigeria’s firm commitment to making the world a better place for all.”
Reflecting on the enduring partnership between Nigeria and The Gambia, Mr Yakub stated, “From Africa to the Caribbean and the Pacific, Nigeria continues to demonstrate its readiness to support our African brothers and sisters wherever they may be. It is particularly gratifying to see the progress in The Gambia. Notably, one of our Technical Aid Corps volunteers served as the first Vice-Chancellor of this university, and a new group of volunteers now lead the University of Applied Science, Engineering and Technology (USET) in The Gambia.”
He added, “Our alliance with The Gambia has deep historical roots, and we are eager to further strengthen this fruitful collaboration. I extend my sincere appreciation to President Barrow, the Honourable Minister of Higher Education, and the university authorities for inviting me as a Special Guest of Honour. The NTAC remains firmly committed to this partnership.”
Since The Gambia’s independence from Britain on 18 February 1965, Nigeria and The Gambia have maintained strong and enduring diplomatic relations within West Africa.
