NTAC to Deploy Eight Volunteers to Seychelles, The Gambia

The Nigerian Technical Aid Corps (NTAC) has announced that eight new volunteers will soon depart for Seychelles and The Gambia as part of Nigeria’s ongoing effort to support development in partner countries. The deployment aims to strengthen sectors where manpower shortages persist, particularly education and professional training.

NTAC Director-General, Dr. Yusuf Yakub, said the initiative underscores Nigeria’s commitment to regional cooperation and capacity-building. According to him, the volunteers were selected after a rigorous process designed to identify individuals whose skills align with the needs of the receiving nations.

Yakub explained that the programme continues to serve as one of Nigeria’s most consistent diplomatic tools, fostering goodwill and improving technical expertise across Africa and beyond. He noted that the volunteers are expected to contribute to bridging existing gaps in classrooms, laboratories, and professional institutions in the host countries.

He added that the deployment forms part of the Federal Government’s broader agenda to strengthen international partnerships. By sharing its human resources, Nigeria aims not only to uplift institutions abroad but also to provide its professionals with exposure that enhances their own experience.

The D-G highlighted that the volunteers would undergo final briefings before departure, ensuring they fully understand both the expectations and the cultural context of their destinations. Preparations also include orientation sessions on diplomacy, community relations, and Nigeria’s foreign policy objectives.

Yakub commended Seychelles and The Gambia for their continued collaboration with the TAC scheme, describing the partnership as mutually beneficial. He said the positive track record from previous deployments encouraged both nations to request new batches of Nigerian specialists.

He also emphasized that NTAC remains committed to ensuring the safety and welfare of volunteers throughout their service period. According to him, support structures are already in place to guide them from arrival to completion of their assignments.

Yakub reaffirmed that the Corps will continue expanding its reach, noting that more countries have expressed interest in joining the programme. He said the deployment of the eight volunteers marks another step in Nigeria’s long-standing tradition of contributing to human development across the continent.