President of The Gambia, Adama Barrow, has reaffirmed his country’s deep appreciation to Nigeria for its continued support through the Nigerian Technical Aid Corps (NTAC) Scheme,
as the University of Applied Science, Engineering and Technology (USET) graduated 951 students during its Second Combined Convocation Ceremony in Banjul.
The convocation, themed “Innovation for Impact: Science, Skills and Sustainable Development,” brought together government officials, academics,
development partners and members of the diplomatic community to celebrate academic excellence and the growing impact of international cooperation in higher education.
Speaking at the event, President Barrow praised Nigeria’s commitment to development cooperation, noting that Nigerian professionals deployed under the NTAC Scheme have made significant contributions to key sectors in The Gambia, particularly higher education. He also acknowledged the role of development partners and stakeholders in supporting USET’s growth and charged the graduating students to remain connected to their alma mater by contributing to its future development.
Representing Nigeria, the Director-General and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Technical Aid Corps, Rt. Hon. Yusuf Buba Yakub, conveyed the goodwill of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to the Government and people of The Gambia. He reiterated President Tinubu’s commitment to strengthening bilateral relations through technical assistance, capacity building, knowledge transfer and the deployment of skilled Nigerian professionals.
A major highlight of the ceremony was the recognition of the growing influence of Nigerian NTAC volunteers in The Gambia’s tertiary education system.
Several Nigerians currently occupy key leadership positions, including the Vice Chancellor of USET, Prof. Nazmat Surajudeen-Bakinde, Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic Affairs), Prof. Ado Yusuf Abdulfatah, Director of Academic Planning and Quality Assurance, Prof. David Gundu, and Director of Grants and Research, Prof. Akinlabi. Also serving in a strategic role is Prof. Kayode Adekeye, Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic) at the University of The Gambia.
Prof. Surajudeen-Bakinde, herself a beneficiary of the NTAC Scheme, commended the Nigerian Government and NTAC leadership for their unwavering support to higher education development in The Gambia. She noted that the contributions of Nigerian professionals have significantly transformed the country’s tertiary education landscape.
The NTAC Director-General also lauded The Gambia’s Minister of Higher Education, Research, Science and Technology, Prof. Pierre Gomez, for his dedication to deepening collaboration between NTAC and The Gambia. According to him, the minister demonstrated exceptional commitment by initiating discussions on strengthening the partnership shortly after assuming office.
During the ceremony, degrees, diplomas and certificates were awarded to 951 graduands across various disciplines. Outstanding students were recognised with Academic Excellence Awards for exceptional performances, recording scores ranging from 70.03 to 91.50 per cent.
In recognition of NTAC’s contributions to educational development and capacity building in The Gambia, President Barrow presented an award to Rt. Hon. Yusuf Buba Yakub. Other distinguished personalities were also honoured for their contributions to education and national development.
Delivering the valedictory speech, the class valedictorian expressed gratitude to the World Bank, university management and faculty members for their support throughout the students’ academic journey. She encouraged continuing students to remain committed to excellence and integrity, declaring proudly, “Here at USET, we don’t take the best; we make the best.”
The event underscored the enduring success of the Nigerian Technical Aid Corps Scheme as a vital instrument of Nigeria’s foreign policy and South-South cooperation, promoting human capital development, institutional growth and stronger bilateral relations between Nigeria and The Gambia.
