Abuja: The Nigerian Technical Aid Corps (NTAC) has deployed another set of 10 Nigerian Technical Aid (TAC) volunteers to Rwanda as part of its South-South cooperation programme. The Director-General of NTAC, Dr. Yusuf Yakub, emphasized that the initiative aims to demonstrate Nigeria’s expertise abroad while addressing irregular migration and the ‘Japa’ syndrome through organized, government-supported deployment.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Dr. Yusuf Yakub highlighted this during the send-off ceremony for the volunteers in Abuja. He noted that this deployment follows two other batches sent to different countries in recent weeks. Dr. Yakub expressed gratitude to President Bola Tinubu for his support, which has enabled NTAC to consistently send Nigerian professionals to various parts of the world every few weeks.
Dr. Yakub elaborated that the latest group heading to Rwanda includes professionals in various fields such as healthcare and education, who will represent Nigeria, impart knowledge, and contribute to humanity in Rwanda. He emphasized the significance of this initiative for Africa, Caribbean, and Pacific (ACP) countries under the spirit of South-South cooperation.
He further noted that Nigeria has sustained this programme for over 38 years, deploying more than 10,000 experts to over 40 countries. Additionally, Dr. Yakub announced plans for an agreement with Jamaica to deploy 400 Nigerian youths for employment, further expanding the scope of the programme.
The Director-General explained that this initiative is part of efforts to combat illegal migration and ‘Japa’ by organizing structured international deployments with mutual agreements between governments. He expressed optimism that such initiatives would significantly reduce irregular migration and promote dignified international placement for Nigerians.
In discussions with the News Agency of Nigeria, some TAC volunteers expressed their commitment to being exemplary ambassadors for Nigeria. Team Lead Mr. Aliyu Aliyu and Nurse Rabiatu Sani from the Federal Teaching Hospital, Katsina, both spoke on the importance of their roles and the honor of serving their country abroad.
The Rwanda-bound team comprises professionals from healthcare, education, and other technical disciplines, poised to make a positive impact in their host communities.