By Ameh Gabriel
Abuja, Nigeria: The Nigerian Technical Aid Corps (NTAC) has recorded a major milestone with over 10,000 Nigerian professionals deployed abroad since its inception in 1987.
This was revealed by the Director General of NTAC, Rt. Hon. Yusuf Buba Yakub, during a deployment briefing held Tuesday in Abuja, ahead of the departure of 35 new volunteers to Zanzibar, Tanzania.
The 35 professionals are expected to serve in Tanzania for two years as part of Nigeria’s ongoing commitment to technical assistance and South-South cooperation.
Yakub highlighted that the NTAC initiative, which was established to replace direct financial aid with technical expertise, has evolved into a model of soft power diplomacy. According to him, NTAC’s operations now generate revenue and create employment opportunities for skilled but previously unemployed Nigerians.
He praised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for supporting a dynamic foreign policy that aligns with the President’s 4D agenda: Democracy, Development, Demography, and Diaspora, and for repositioning NTAC as a key player in Nigeria’s diplomatic efforts.
“Instead of cash support, Nigeria began sending skilled professionals across Africa, the Caribbean, and the Pacific to foster deeper cooperation. Today, we have deployed over 10,000 experts to more than 40 countries, and the impact has been tremendous,” Yakub said.
He cited Gambia as a prime example of NTAC’s influence, recalling that several past and present university leaders in the country were Nigerian volunteers. “When I recently visited Gambia, President Adama Barrow commended Nigeria for our support. The current Deputy Vice Chancellor and other key academic leaders in Gambian institutions are NTAC alumni,” he noted.
Addressing the volunteers, Yakub urged them to uphold Nigeria’s image and be worthy ambassadors. “Nigeria is a continental superpower, and through South-South cooperation and Pan-African solidarity, we must continue to support our fellow Black nations,” he said.
He also disclosed that NTAC’s success has attracted international interest and growing confidence in Nigerian professionals, allowing the agency to consider offering services for a fee. “Our work is now transforming NTAC into a revenue-generating agency,” he added.
Speaking on behalf of the departing volunteers, Dr. Paul Conellous expressed gratitude for the opportunity. “To whom much is given, much is expected. We will uphold the values of NTAC and represent Nigeria with dignity,” he assured.
NTAC was established by an Act of the National Assembly in 1987 to provide technical assistance to developing countries through the deployment of Nigerian professionals in key sectors like health, education, engineering, and agriculture.
