Education Minister Expresses Gratitude to President Tinubu’s Government for Commitment to African Nations
In a strategic move to eliminate language barriers and enhance trade, development, and bilateral ties between Nigeria and the Republic of Benin, the Director General of the Nigerian Technical Aid Corps (NTAC), Rt. Hon. Yusuf Buba Yakub, led an NTAC delegation to meet with Benin’s Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, Eleonore Yayi Ladekan, in Cotonou on Monday.
A statement signed on April 3, 2025, by Kauthar Hassan Ibrahim Gwarzo, Principal Information and Public Relations Officer of NTAC, highlighted the purpose and outcomes of the meeting.
During the discussions, the NTAC DG emphasized the crucial role of the Nigerian Technical Aid Corps scheme in fostering South-South cooperation by deploying skilled Nigerian professionals to assist partner countries in their developmental needs. He reiterated Nigeria’s commitment to strengthening cooperation with its neighbor, the Republic of Benin, particularly in the areas of language learning and cultural exchange.
“Our objective is to reduce the language barriers that hinder deeper relationships among our people. This is a fundamental goal of diplomatic engagements,” Yakub stated.
“This initiative will boost trade between our nations and drive better economic outcomes. We recognize that where language is a barrier, progress is hindered. NTAC’s continued efforts in this regard demonstrate the immense benefits we foresee for both countries.
“As part of this collaboration, we plan to deploy a number of English teachers to Benin to facilitate effective English language acquisition. Similarly, we are committed to learning French. The ultimate goal is to bridge the linguistic divide and, in doing so, strengthen our bilateral engagements in trade, services, and cultural exchange.”
Minister Eleonore Yayi Ladekan, while welcoming the NTAC delegation, expressed appreciation for Nigeria’s continued support and commended NTAC’s impact on capacity development in Benin. She specifically acknowledged the contributions of the Nigerian International School in Cotonou, which has played a significant role in educational advancement over the years.
The Minister reaffirmed Benin’s commitment to sustaining and expanding cooperation with Nigeria for mutual benefit. She also conveyed the country’s gratitude to President Tinubu’s administration for its ongoing dedication to the development and progress of African nations.
Accompanying the NTAC DG on the visit were the Director of Programmes at NTAC, Amb. Zakari Usman, other NTAC officials, and representatives from the Nigerian Mission in Cotonou, including Mubarak Mohammed Mantu and Emmanuel Nwosa.
On the Beninese side, Minister Ladekan was joined by Ahounouikpe F. Judith, Gbenou Victoria V., Lalaye A. Philippe, Youssa A. Juaka, and Akpovi Salvadore.
