By Maureen Okon
The Gambian Government has commended Nigeria for its contributions to the country’s education sector through the deployment of skilled professionals.
The commendation was made by The Gambia’s Minister of Higher Education, Research and Science, Prof. Pierre Gomez, during a courtesy visit to Nigerian Technical Aid Corps (NTAC) Director-General, Mr Yusuf Yakub, on Thursday in Abuja.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Gomez led a delegation comprising the ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Ms Isatou Auber, a World Bank representative and other senior officials.
He said the visit was to convey the appreciation of the government and people of The Gambia for Nigeria’s significant contributions to human capital development.
According to Gomez, NTAC has played a key role in developing engineering and postgraduate programmes and supporting the transformation of The Gambia College into a University of Education.
He added that NTAC has also supported efforts to strengthen quality assurance in higher education through reforms modelled after Nigeria’s Core Curriculum and Minimum Academic Standards (CCMAS).
The minister said that Nigerian professionals currently served as Vice-Chancellor and Deputy Vice-Chancellor of the University of Education, as well as providing exemplary leadership.
He also commended NTAC’s support for reforms in Early Childhood Development and teacher education, describing the scheme as a shining example of African solidarity.
According to him, in spite of resource constraints, NTAC has remained steadfast in supporting The Gambia’s educational development and advancing South-South Cooperation across the continent.
Gomez further invited the NTAC Director-General to visit The Gambia and experience the country’s hospitality while witnessing the impact of Nigerian professionals firsthand.
Responding, Yakub thanked the Gambian delegation and reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to strengthening educational and technical cooperation with The Gambia.
He described The Gambia as his second home and expressed appreciation for the warm reception consistently accorded to Nigerian volunteers serving in the country.
Yakub assured the delegation that NTAC would continue to prioritise the deployment of qualified Nigerian professionals to support The Gambia’s development aspirations.
The director-general commended The Gambia’s introduction of degree programmes in Early Childhood Development, describing the initiative as a strategic investment in Africa’s future.
He emphasised that exposing children to innovation and practical learning from an early age was essential for building a globally competitive workforce.
Yakub also conveyed the goodwill of President Bola Tinubu and the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Amb. Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, reaffirming Nigeria’s commitment to stronger bilateral relations.
NAN reports that the visit reinforced the enduring partnership between Nigeria and The Gambia and highlighted the strategic role of NTAC in regional development.
The engagement also underscored NTAC’s contributions to educational advancement, institutional capacity building and South-South Cooperation across Africa and beyond.
For 38 years, NTAC has deployed Nigerian professionals to African, Caribbean and Pacific countries at the request of host governments to provide technical assistance in critical sectors.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Abiemwense Moru