President Adama Barrow of The Gambia has lauded Nigeria for its significant contributions toward enhancing education and technical expertise in his country.
In a statement issued by Mr. Nkem Anyata-Lafia, Special Assistant to the Director General of the Nigerian Technical Aid Corps (NTAC) on Media and Publicity, President Barrow expressed deep appreciation for the remarkable impact Nigerian professors have made while serving as volunteers in Gambian institutions.
Speaking during the 17th Convocation Ceremony of the University of The Gambia in Banjul, President Barrow, who also serves as the Chancellor of the institution, noted that the presence and dedication of Nigerian volunteers have greatly transformed the nation’s educational landscape.
“The continuous support from the Nigerian Technical Aid Corps has been instrumental in advancing our educational system,” President Barrow said. “The deployment of highly skilled Nigerian professors across various disciplines reflects Nigeria’s unwavering commitment to the development of Africa and beyond.”
Addressing the convocation audience, NTAC’s Director General, Mr. Yusuf Yakub, highlighted the global recognition of the Corps’ work and reaffirmed Nigeria’s dedication to international development. He praised President Bola Tinubu’s 4-D Foreign Policy Initiative, describing it as a testament to Nigeria’s leadership in promoting global progress.
“Our President’s visionary leadership has shown that Nigeria is fully committed to making the world a better place,” Mr. Yakub stated.
Reflecting on the longstanding partnership between Nigeria and The Gambia, Mr. Yakub noted that Nigerian support extends beyond West Africa to the Caribbean and Pacific regions. He recalled that a Nigerian Technical Aid Corps volunteer served as the first Vice Chancellor of the University of The Gambia, and that Nigerian volunteers currently lead the University of Applied Science, Engineering and Technology (USET) in The Gambia.
“Our partnership with The Gambia is a longstanding and cherished one,” Mr. Yakub added. “We look forward to deepening this collaboration in the years ahead. I am grateful to President Barrow, the Honourable Minister of Higher Education, and the university authorities for inviting me as a Special Guest of Honour.”
Since The Gambia’s independence from Britain on February 18, 1965, Nigeria and The Gambia have enjoyed robust diplomatic relations, strengthening ties across various sectors, especially education.
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