Abuja: The Nigerian Technical Aid Corps (NTAC) has commended President Bola Tinubu's 4-D foreign policy initiative aimed at rendering technical aid to countries in need of professionals. The Director-General of NTAC, Dr. Yusuf Yakub, expressed this appreciation during a media parley in Abuja, marking his two years in office.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Yakub described Tinubu's 4-D foreign policy initiative as the foundation for the continuous deployment of Technical Aid Corps (TAC) Volunteers to countries in need of expertise. Since assuming office in August 2023, Yakub noted that NTAC operations have been filled with success stories, thanks to the support from the Tinubu administration.
He highlighted that since NTAC's establishment and its engagement with African, Caribbean, and Pacific (ACP) countries, over 40,000 volunteers have been deployed. The director-general emphasized that the corps has received accolades from ACP countries benefiting from the TAC scheme.
Yakub further mentioned that some beneficiaries of the TAC scheme have ascended to ministerial positions in their respective countries. Additionally, several TAC volunteers have been appointed as Vice Chancellors and Deputy Chancellors at host universities due to their exceptional skills.
He cited the example of two volunteers appointed by the Gambian President as Vice Chancellor and Deputy Vice Chancellor of a university in Gambia. Other volunteers have maintained high standards, with some publishing books during their two years of service to their host communities.
Yakub expressed gratitude towards President Bola Tinubu for prioritizing the initiative from the onset of his administration. He stated, "This initiative is working not only for Nigerians but for all blacks in Africa in the ACP countries."
Yakub also addressed past financial challenges, noting that NTAC's activities were previously stalled due to a lack of funds. However, with Tinubu's administration settling all outstanding debts, NTAC is now debt-free, enabling smooth and active operations. The agency currently deploys volunteers two to three times a month.