This latest batch of Technical Aid Corps, who are on a two-year stint in the country, will be serving institutions like the University of The Gambia, University of Education, The Gambia (UEG), Civil Service University (CSU) and at the National Accreditation and Quality Assurance Authority (NAQAA).
They are deployed through the Nigerian Charge D'Affaires and are tasked to offer technical and professional assistance to support the academic development of Higher Education institutions in The Gambia.
At a formal welcoming ceremony held at the Nigerian High Commission in Kanifing, Prof. Pierre Gomez, Minister for Higher Education, Research, Science and Technology, stated that the initiative is a testament to the enduring bonds of solidarity and cooperation between Nigeria and The Gambia, marking another milestone in their shared commitment to advancing higher education and national development.
The volunteers, he said, underscore the unwavering support of the Nigerian government and the NTAC organisation towards the country’s higher education transformation agenda.
Minister Gomez noted that their expertise will be instrumental in bolstering the capacities of Gambia's institutions, particularly the newly transformed University of Education, The Gambia (formerly Gambia College), the University of The Gambia, the Civil Service University and the National Accreditation and Quality Assurance Authority (NAQAA).
"Their roles in leadership, technical assistance and knowledge transfer will undoubtedly elevate the quality of education and institutional governance in our country," he said.
To that end, Prof Gomez challenged the team to deliver the highest of standards through professionalism, innovation, and dedication.
Also speaking, His Excellency, Muhammad Usman Mainsara, Charge D' Affaires of Nigerian High Commission in The Gambia, pointed out that Nigeria has been involved in the Technical Manpower Assistance as a soft power diplomacy to African, Caribbean and Pacific countries since its inception in 1987.
The initiative, he added, has helped to project the image of Nigeria abroad, noting that this collaboration between nations particularly The Gambia remains a cornerstone of both countries' shared mission to foster institutional development and knowledge to countries in dire need.
The Nigerian diplomat indicated that The Gambia has been a beneficiary of this policy since August 2009, when an agreement was signed between the two countries.
"Ordinarily, when the volunteers are sent to a country in need, Nigeria sends some of its best who have been well trained to such countries. So far, The Gambia has benefited from over 500 NTAC volunteers," he stated.
He challenged the team of volunteers to build on and foster the existing brotherly relations between Nigeria and The Gambia during their tour of duty.
Mr Fehintola Adebowale, a representative of NTAC, underscored that globally, there is no contribution to development that is more important than Human Capital Development Assistance.
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