Nigerian academics who recently completed volunteer assignments in Rwanda have reported significant research and academic achievements, as 11 new volunteers prepare for deployment to the East African country under a Federal Government-supported programme.
The returning volunteers, who served at University of Lay-Adventist in Rwanda, said their assignments strengthened academic collaboration, research output and knowledge exchange between Nigerian institutions and their Rwandan counterparts.
During the briefing and debriefing ceremony in Abuja, the Director General of NTAC, Dr. Yusuf Yakub represented by the Deputy Director Administration, Mr. Falusi Oladapo commended the returning team for what they described as exemplary conduct and credible representation of Nigeria.
He charged the incoming volunteers to build on the achievements of their predecessors, uphold the country’s image and contribute meaningfully to education and human development in their host communities.
He described NTAC as a strategic institution under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs that had contributed to the manpower needs of several countries over more than three decades.
Mr. Oladapo urged the incoming volunteers to recognise the responsibility attached to representing Nigeria abroad, stressing that their conduct would reflect on the country’s reputation.
“You are going there to serve, not only Nigeria, you are also serving humanity,” he said.
He added that the volunteers would be monitored throughout their assignments, with reports on their performance expected to inform assessments of their service.
Team lead of the returning volunteers, Professor Jerome said the team worked within the mission and vision of its host university, helping to strengthen links between academic research and industry.
“We translated their research to do the gap between the university and the industry,” he said, while highlighting the team’s contribution to research and international academic engagement.
Another returning volunteer, Dr Thompson Faraday, an associate professor, said he published 60 papers during his stay in Rwanda.
“During my stay in Rwanda, I was able to publish 60 publications,” Faraday said, describing the experience as worthwhile.
He also disclosed that he and some members of his team participated in a research project that secured a grant from the Red Cross Society. He said further engagement on the project was expected after the volunteers’ return.
Dr Hafsat Modibo, another returning volunteer, said her experience in Rwanda deepened her understanding of peacebuilding, particularly through engagements connected with the country’s history of genocide.
Dr. Modibo, who identified herself as a humanitarian worker and peace ambassador, said visits to a memorial site and internally displaced persons helped reinforce the importance of preventing conflict.
“We want to live in peace,” she said, urging Nigerians to embrace peaceful conduct, particularly as political activities intensify.
The 11 volunteers preparing for deployment pledged to build on the achievements of the returning team and protect Nigeria’s reputation during their assignments.
Dr Aisha Tunguzi-Ezan, of Enugu State College of Education Technical, said the incoming volunteers were committed to discharging their responsibilities effectively and promoting peace.
“We are going to make sure that we discharge our duties efficiently and effectively,” she said.
Similarly, Dr Olani Oladipo, of the Federal University of Ekiti, said the incoming team would build on the reputation established by their predecessors and contribute their research expertise to their host institutions.
Another incoming volunteer, Professor Abubakar Kazun, said the team was grateful for the opportunity and committed to representing Nigeria positively.
