In a world where many young professionals are seeking local opportunities, a group of 12 passionate Nigerians is choosing a higher path — to serve, teach, and heal beyond Nigeria’s borders.
These individuals are the latest cohort deployed under the Nigerian Technical Aid Corps (NTAC), a federal government initiative designed to promote Nigeria’s soft power diplomacy by sending skilled professionals to assist in education, health, and legal systems across Africa and the developing world.
Eight of the volunteers will be heading to Uganda, while four are set to serve in Sierra Leone, showcasing Nigeria’s ongoing commitment to African solidarity and people-centered diplomacy.
“We’re not just travelling — we’re going to serve humanity,” said one volunteer during a pre-departure briefing held in Abuja.
Reviving Nigeria’s Soft Power Through Service
Speaking at the event, NTAC Director-General, Dr. Yusuf Buba Yakub, commended the volunteers’ dedication and noted that their deployment reflects President Bola Tinubu’s foreign policy priorities, which include diaspora engagement, regional cooperation, and development diplomacy.
“Before now, this programme had almost gone quiet. But under Mr. President’s renewed foreign policy initiative, the TAC scheme is alive again,” Dr. Yakub said.
He emphasized that the programme is not about exporting labour, but rather about exporting knowledge, expertise, and values that support sustainable development across the African continent.
“We’re deploying ambassadors of integrity, excellence, and discipline. Every volunteer is a symbol of Nigeria’s leadership and compassion,” he added.
Volunteer Welfare and National Representation
Dr. Yakub assured the volunteers that their welfare and safety are guaranteed, with support from Nigerian embassies in their respective host countries.
“You’re not alone out there. The Nigerian government and your host nations will stand by you every step of the way,” he said, urging them to serve with humility and national pride.
Personal Stories of Purpose and Patriotism
For Professor Ngozi Alele, a law lecturer from Kogi State University heading to Sierra Leone, the assignment is more than a job — it’s a mission of nation-building.
“This is an extension of the Renewed Hope Agenda. Nigeria is proving again that it’s the giant of Africa by funding this programme entirely,” he said. “We’re not just representing ourselves; we’re representing Nigeria’s strength, intellect, and goodwill.”
Professor Alele hopes to strengthen legal education and the rule of law in his host country, emphasizing Nigeria’s contributions to justice and good governance across Africa.
Likewise, Dr. Goodness Enebongili, a public health lecturer from Ignatius Ajuru University in Port Harcourt, said she looks forward to making a difference in community health and education.
“I’ll be working on public health education, especially under SDG 3 – Good Health and Well-being. This is a golden opportunity to share knowledge and save lives,” she said.
As the only woman in the group, Dr. Enebongili sent a powerful message to Nigerian women:
“Don’t limit yourself. Step out of your comfort zone and explore. The world needs our voices, our intellect, and our touch.”
Technical Aid Corps: Strengthening Nigeria’s Global Impact
Established in 1987, the Technical Aid Corps Scheme remains one of Nigeria’s most enduring diplomatic initiatives, creating bridges between nations and deepening South-South cooperation.
The programme has sent hundreds of Nigerian professionals across Africa, the Caribbean, and the Pacific, helping build education systems, healthcare structures, and legal institutions.
“We’re creating a legacy of impact, not just filling vacancies,” said one TAC official.
Beyond Service, A Renewed Sense of Patriotism
As they board their flights, these 12 Nigerians are not just carrying suitcases — they’re carrying the hopes and pride of over 200 million Nigerians. For them, service is not only a duty, but a symbol of patriotism and continental solidarity.
“Until you go out and come back, you may not fully understand how great Nigeria is,” an official said. “This experience will change you — and when you return, you’ll love home even more.”
