DTAC DG Engages Volunteers and Ugandan Officials to Bolster Nigeria’s foreign policy

By Iyojo Ameh

The Directorate of Technical Aid Corps (DTAC), under the leadership of Director-General Rt. Hon. (Dr.) Yusuf Buba Yakub, continues to bolster Nigeria’s soft-power diplomacy and foreign policy initiatives.

In a series of meetings held in Kampala, Uganda, senior officials from DTAC engaged with volunteers, university authorities, and the Ugandan Minister of Education and Sports, highlighting the agency’s role in fostering cooperation and development across Africa and other regions with significant black populations.

Director-General Rt. Hon. Buba emphasized the importance of soft power as a tool for enhancing bilateral relations, aligning it with Nigeria’s President 4-D Agenda. He underlined the historical ties between Nigeria and Uganda and the significance of the Technical Aid Corps Scheme in promoting mutual growth and collaboration.

Rt. Hon. Buba recalled the early involvement of Uganda in the scheme, stating, “Uganda and Nigeria have come a long way. I recall that the first Chief Justice of Uganda, Justice Udo Udoma, was an eminent Nigerian jurist. It is no wonder that when the TAC Scheme was established in 1987, Uganda became one of the first countries to receive volunteers in 1988.”

The volunteers, consisting of senior lecturers, associate professors, and professors, have been lauded for their contributions and dedication to the development of Uganda. University authorities expressed their appreciation for the volunteers’ positive impact and their desire to receive more volunteers while seeking to retain those whose two-year service tenure is approaching completion.

During their interactions with the Vice Chancellors of various Ugandan universities, including Kampala International University and Cavendish University, and officials from Islamic University in Uganda (IUIU), DTAC’s delegation was impressed by the accolades and support offered to the TAC Scheme volunteers in these institutions. They also expressed their intention to receive additional volunteers.

In a separate meeting with the Ugandan Minister of Education and Sports, the DTAC delegation was pleased to learn that the Hon. Minister of State for Primary Education, Dr. Joyce Kalucha, had received training from a Nigerian volunteer during the early years of the scheme.

The Ugandan team, comprising key education officials, informed the Nigerian delegation about ongoing reforms in Uganda’s education sector and requested support in areas such as Oil and Gas Engineering/Technology, Aviation Engineering/Technology, and Artificial Intelligence.

The discussions extended to a meeting with the Permanent Secretary of the Ugandan Ministry of Foreign Affairs, where both parties reaffirmed their commitment to further collaboration, cooperation, and strengthening existing ties related to the TAC Scheme.