By Gabriel Ameh
President of the Republic of The Gambia, Adama Barrow, has hailed the significant contributions of the Nigerian government to the growth of education and technical expertise in his country.
This was disclosed in a statement signed on 26th April 2025 by Nkem Anyata-Lafia, Special Assistant to the NTAC DG (Media and Publicity)
Speaking on Saturday, April 26, 2025, during the 17th Convocation Ceremony of the University of The Gambia in Banjul, President Barrow, who also serves as the Chancellor of the institution, expressed deep appreciation for the role played by Nigerian professors deployed under the Nigerian Technical Aid Corps (NTAC) program.
According to him, the impact of Nigerian volunteers has been transformative across Gambia’s education sector.
“The Nigerian Technical Aid Corps has provided us with highly qualified professionals who have reshaped our academic institutions and enhanced technical competence in critical fields,” President Barrow stated. “Nigeria’s support is a true testament to the spirit of African solidarity and brotherhood.”
The Gambian leader highlighted that the presence of Nigerian academic experts has not only boosted educational standards but also strengthened the historical ties between both nations. He noted that such cooperation showcases Nigeria as a beacon of hope and development for Africa and beyond.
Speaking to journalists after the event, the Director General of the Nigerian Technical Aid Corps, Rt. Hon. Yusuf Buba Yakub, expressed satisfaction that the agency’s mandate is gaining recognition on the global stage. He thanked President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his support through the administration’s 4-D Foreign Policy Initiative, which aims to drive Democracy, Development, Demography, and Diaspora engagement.
“Our President’s broad vision for global progress has allowed Nigeria to continue playing a crucial role in supporting African countries and building global solidarity,” Yakub remarked. “From Africa to the Caribbean and the Pacific, Nigerian volunteers continue to leave lasting impacts.”
Highlighting the longstanding partnership between Nigeria and The Gambia, Yakub recalled that a Nigerian volunteer once served as the first Vice-Chancellor of the University of The Gambia, and today, Nigerian volunteers continue to lead other top institutions such as the University of Applied Science, Engineering and Technology (USET).
“Our collaboration with The Gambia is not new — it is a relationship built on years of trust, support, and mutual growth,” Yakub said. “We remain committed to strengthening this partnership and exploring new opportunities for progress.”
He also commended The Gambia’s Minister of Higher Education, the university authorities, and President Barrow for their continuous support and collaboration.
Nigeria and The Gambia, both members of the West African family, have maintained strong bilateral relations since The Gambia’s independence, anchored on mutual respect, cooperation, and shared aspirations for regional growth.
