In a move that underscores Nigeria’s commitment to South-South cooperation and international development, the Nigerian Technical Aid Corps (NTAC) has deployed 35 medical professionals to Zanzibar, United Republic of Tanzania. The deployment, which includes both nurses and doctors, aims to address critical educational and healthcare gaps in the region.
Speaking during the official deployment ceremony in Abuja on Tuesday, Dr. Yusuf Yakub, Director-General of NTAC, emphasized that the exercise aligns with the agency’s core mandate—to send skilled Nigerian volunteers to African, Caribbean, and Pacific (ACP) countries in need of professional assistance.
“Today is a historic day for the corps. To honour the directive of President Bola Tinubu, using soft power diplomacy, the corps is sending 35 TAC volunteers to Zanzibar,” said Dr. Yakub, a former member of the House of Representatives.
He commended President Tinubu for his support in strengthening Nigeria’s foreign policy through strategic volunteerism and capacity-building in partner countries.
Highlighting NTAC’s longstanding role in international engagement, the DG stated:
“NTAC, before its establishment in 1987, saw Nigerian leaders give cash support to sister nations within the ACP. But in 1987, the decision was made to instead send technical experts to promote diplomatic relations and cultural exchange.
“Since then, we have achieved a lot. NTAC has deployed over 10,000 experts to ACP countries. This is a great achievement for Nigeria.”
Dr. Yakub also referenced his recent visit to The Gambia, where the country’s President, Adama Barrow, expressed gratitude for Nigeria’s enduring contributions. He noted that the current and former Vice Chancellors of The Gambia’s only university were both former NTAC volunteers—a testament to the lasting impact of the program.
“In the spirit of South-South cooperation, fellow African nations and underdeveloped countries must unite to bridge professional gaps by sharing expertise,” he added.
Volunteers Eager to Serve and Represent Nigeria
Dr. Paul Cornelius, who is leading the team of 35 NTAC volunteers to Tanzania, commended the Federal Government for sustaining the initiative and promised to uphold Nigeria’s reputation abroad.
“We will do the country proud and surpass the achievements of our predecessors,” he affirmed.
Mohammed Ibrahim, a paediatric nurse selected from over 10,000 applicants, expressed gratitude and prayed for divine guidance in fulfilling the task ahead.
Mary-Jane Okieze, a registered nurse, described the deployment as an opportunity to showcase her skills and promote Nigeria’s image globally.
“My job is to care for the sick, and I will be honoured to serve the people of Zanzibar,” she said, lauding NTAC for the opportunity.
NTAC: Championing Nigeria’s Foreign Policy and International Development
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the professionals will be assigned to various institutions in Zanzibar to lecture and fill critical healthcare and educational roles.
This deployment is another milestone for the Nigerian Technical Aid Corps in its efforts to boost Nigeria’s international image, promote regional solidarity, and support under-resourced countries through the power of skilled volunteerism.