In a significant development for academic collaboration between Nigeria and The Gambia, four Nigerian professors have been appointed to important roles at the University of Applied Science, Engineering and Technology (USET) in The Gambia. This appointment is made possible through the Nigerian Technical Aid Corps (NTAC) volunteer program, which focuses on providing skilled professionals to support development in various sectors, including education.
The newly appointed professors include Prof. Nazmat Surajudeen-Bakinde, who will serve as the Vice Chancellor, and Prof. Yusuf Abdulfatah, who takes on the role of Vice Chancellor (Academics). Additionally, Prof. Akinlabi Oyetunji has been appointed as the Director of Research and Grants, while Prof. David Gundu will serve as the Director of Academic Planning and Quality Assurance. These roles are crucial for steering the university towards achieving its academic and administrative goals.
The announcement of these appointments was made by Dr. Yusuf Yakub, the Director-General of NTAC, during a courtesy visit from The Gambia’s Minister of Higher Education, Prof. Gomez Pierre, in Abuja. Dr. Yakub praised the expertise and professionalism of the appointed professors, which played a significant role in their selection by the university’s Governing Council. Their extensive experience in academia is expected to bring valuable insights to USET.
This initiative follows a task force report that recommended the appointment of the four Nigerian professors for key roles, coinciding with the conclusion of the tenure of the current Vice Chancellor, Prof. Samuel Owusu-Ofori, whose term ends on September 30. The seamless transition aims to maintain stability and progress within the university as it adapts to new leadership.
The NTAC Director-General emphasized that these appointments are part of the ongoing 24-month NTAC program, which aims to provide technical support to The Gambia. This program shows the commitment of Nigeria to assist in the educational and technical development of its neighboring country, strengthening the ties between the two nations.
The Gambian government has consistently recognized the value of the NTAC program, which has seen over 12,000 Nigerian volunteers contribute their skills and knowledge since its establishment in 1987. These volunteers come from diverse fields, including engineering, law, and medicine, and have played a crucial role in various sectors, significantly impacting the development landscape in The Gambia.
The appointment of these four professors not only reflects the quality of Nigerian academic professionals but also highlights the importance of international cooperation in education. The collaboration is expected to enhance the academic environment at USET, fostering a culture of research and quality education that can benefit students and the community at large.
In conclusion, placing these professors at USET shows the continued efforts to improve education in The Gambia. As they start their new jobs, the professors will play an important role in developing higher education in the country. This also opens up more chances for Nigeria and The Gambia to work together in education.
