Buba Yakub Urges Volunteers to Uphold Excellence as 12 Depart for Uganda, Sierra Leone

Daily Rendezvous 

— Tasks Academics to Appreciate Government’s Efforts, Shun Strikes

The Director-General of the Nigerian Technical Aid Corps (NTAC), Rt. Hon. Yusuf Buba Yakub, has charged twelve newly selected volunteers departing for Uganda and Sierra Leone to uphold excellence, patriotism, and national pride as they embark on a two-year service under the Technical Aid Corps scheme.

Buba Yakubu made the remarks in a press statement issued by, the

Head, Information & Public Relations,

Nigerian Technical Aid Corps (NTAC),

Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ojo Olubunmi,in Abuja.

Speaking at the official orientation exercise held at the NTAC headquarters in Abuja on Tuesday, Buba commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for revitalising Nigeria’s soft power diplomacy through the TAC scheme, describing the President’s continued support as a major boost to Nigeria’s global relevance and development partnerships.

 “Since his assumption of office, Mr. President has revived and prioritized Nigeria’s soft power diplomacy through the Technical Aid Corps scheme, ensuring that our nation continues to play a significant role in global development,” the DG stated.

Buba assured the departing volunteers of the Federal Government’s commitment to their welfare, noting that the scheme covers all essential needs, while host countries provide accommodation, transportation, and utilities. He urged the volunteers to remain appreciative of the government’s investment and represent the nation with dignity.

 “The Federal Government takes care of all you need in this scheme, while your host country undertakes transportation, accommodation, and utility bills. You can now appreciate the much that Government does and be very good ambassadors of our country,” he said.

Addressing the volunteers—mostly university lecturers—Buba appealed to Nigerian academics to recognise the government’s continuous efforts across all sectors and to prefer dialogue to industrial action in resolving disputes.

 “As lecturers, it is important that you understand the enormous responsibilities of the Federal Government and impress upon your colleagues the need to always shun industrial action in favour of dialogue,” he added.

The volunteers, drawn from diverse professional backgrounds including Medicine, Law, Education, Public Health, and ICT, will serve in their respective host institutions in Uganda and Sierra Leone for a 24-month period under bilateral agreements designed to promote mutual growth and development.

In their separate remarks, team leaders Prof. Haruna Ayuba of the University of Maiduguri, Prof. Ngozi Azubuike Alili of Kogi State University, Ayingba, and Dr. Goodness Enegbogheli of Ignatius Ajuru University of Education, Rivers State, commended the Federal Government for sustaining the TAC initiative and pledged to uphold Nigeria’s image through exemplary service abroad.

The event concluded with group photographs featuring the Director-General, senior management staff, and the departing volunteers.