President of the Republic of The Gambia, Adama Barrow, has commended the significant contributions the Nigerian government has made to the advancement of scholarship and technical competence in the country.
President Barrow spoke on Saturday, in Banjul during the 17th Convocation Ceremony of the University of The Gambia.
He specifically lauded the giant strides being made by Nigerian Professors deployed to serve in the country as Volunteers, as he revealed that the Volunteers have completely changed the narratives in the entire education sector of the country.
The President, who is also the Chancellor of the University of the Gambia, said that the support the Nigerian Technical Aid Corps has continued to offer the country as technical aid through the deployment of highly qualified Professors in diverse fields, has shown that Nigeria is truly a blessing to the African continent and to other parts of the world where it has deployed technical assistance.
Speaking to newsmen during the event, Director General of the Nigerian Technical Aid Corps, Rt.Hon.Yusuf Buba Yakub, in a statement by Nkem Anyata-Lafia, Special Assistant to the NTAC DG (Media and Publicity), expressed delight that the great mandate of the Nigerian Technical Aid Corps was being appreciated from far and wide.
While noting the selfless sacrifice the Federal Government makes to sustain the flagship foreign policy tool, the NTAC boss conveyed gratitude to President Bola Tinubu for his 4-D Foreign Policy Initiative, which ensures that Nigeria will continue to remain visible in the comity of the nations of the world through its diverse laudable commitments to global advancement and progress.
"Thanks to our dear President for his broad-minded vision for global progress,our nation has shown the world that we can selflessly apply ourselves to making our world better.
"From Africa to the Caribbean and Pacific countries,our footprints continue to tell the story that Nigeria is always prepared to give a shoulder to our black brothers and sisters to lean upon no matter where they may be on the face of the earth.
"I am happy today about the progress we are making in The Gambia. You all may recall that a TAC Volunteer was the first Vice Chancellor here at this University and,as I speak to you, another set of Volunteers are heading the University of Applied Science, Engineering and Technology (USET).
"So,our partnership with The Gambia did not start today.For many years running this partnership has continued to be a progressive one and we will be glad to continue to engage further. I thank your dear President,my friend,the Honourable Minister of Higher Education as well as the authorities of this University for inviting me here as a Special Guest of Honour.
"We, at the Nigerian Technical Aid Corps as an institution, will always be there for their collaboration and progressive partnership,"the NTAC DG stated.
"Nigeria and the Republic of the Gambia have since the latter's independence maintained bilateral relations as sister West African countries." the statement stated