President Adama Barrow of The Gambia has commended the government and people of Nigeria for their sustained support to his country through the Nigerian Technical Aid Corps (NTAC) scheme.
Mr Barrow expressed his country’s appreciation during the second combined convocation ceremony of the University of Applied Science, Engineering and Technology (USET) in Banjul, where 951 students graduated.
His remarks were contained in a statement issued on Sunday in Banjul by Olubunmi Ojo, head of the information and public relations unit at the NTAC.
According to the statement, the convocation was themed, “Innovation for Impact: Science, Skills and Sustainable Development.”
Mr Barrow, who is also the chancellor of USET, acknowledged the contributions of Nigerian professionals serving under the technical aid corps scheme to the development of critical sectors in The Gambia, particularly higher education.
He also appreciated development partners and stakeholders for their support of the university and urged the graduands to remain connected to their alma mater by contributing to its growth and development.
The Gambian leader further charged the university’s Governing Council and management to sustain efforts to promote innovation, sustainable development, and lasting impact.
Speaking at the event, the Director-General and Chief Executive Officer of NTAC, Dr Yusuf Yakub, conveyed the goodwill of President Bola Tinubu to the government and people of The Gambia.
Mr Yakub reaffirmed Mr Tinubu’s commitment to strengthening development cooperation between Nigeria and The Gambia through technical assistance, knowledge transfer, capacity building and the deployment of skilled Nigerian professionals.
He also commended The Gambia’s Minister of Higher Education, Research, Science and Technology, Prof. Pierre Gomez, for his commitment to the partnership between the NTAC and the country.
Mr Yakub recalled that Mr Gomez initiated discussions on strengthening collaboration with the NTAC shortly after assuming office, demonstrating a commitment to educational advancement and human capital development.
The statement noted that one of the highlights of the convocation was the impact of the NTAC Scheme on the development of higher education in The Gambia, with several Nigerian volunteers occupying key academic leadership positions in tertiary institutions across the country.
Among them are the Vice-Chancellor of USET, Prof. Nazmat Surajudeen-Bakinde; the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic Affairs), Prof. Ado Yusuf Abdulfatah; the Director of Academic Planning and Quality Assurance, Prof. David Gundu; and the Director of Grants and Research, Prof. Akinlabi.
Others include the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic) of the University of The Gambia, Prof. Kayode Adekeye.
The statement said their appointments underscored the enduring relevance and success of the NTAC intervention in The Gambia.
In her remarks, Surajudeen-Bakinde, a beneficiary of the NTAC Scheme, commended the government of Nigeria and the NTAC director-general for their support for the development of higher education in The Gambia.
She acknowledged the contributions of Nigerian professionals to the growth and transformation of tertiary education in the country.
The statement added that degrees, diplomas and certificates were awarded to 951 graduands across various disciplines during the ceremony.
Awards for academic excellence were also presented to outstanding students who recorded academic performances ranging from 70.03 per cent to 91.50 per cent.
Awards of recognition were equally presented to distinguished personalities, including Mr Yakub, who received an award from Mr Barrow in recognition of NTAC’s contributions to capacity building and educational development in The Gambia.
Dignitaries at the event included the chairperson of the governing council of USET, Ebrima Cham, and Sierra Leone’s Minister of Technical and Higher Education, Dr Haja Wurie.
Members of the diplomatic corps, senior government officials, academics, development partners and other guests also attended the ceremony.
The event highlighted the role of the NTAC scheme in promoting human capital development, institutional strengthening and bilateral relations between Nigeria and The Gambia.