Nigerian Professors Set to Lead Gambian University

The Nigerian Technical Aid Corps (NTAC) has announced the selection of four Nigerian professors for key roles at the University of Applied Science, Engineering, and Technology (USET) in The Gambia. Dr. Yusuf Yakub, the Director-General of NTAC, made this announcement during a courtesy visit from Prof. Gomez Pierre, the Gambian Minister of Higher Education, Research, Science, and Technology, in Abuja.

Dr. Yakub revealed that a task force established by the Gambian ministry's Governing Council identified the professors based on their professional expertise, leading to a formal request for their appointments. The task force was tasked with validating current TAC volunteers in The Gambia to fill vacancies at USET, ensuring the university's smooth operation.

The selected professors and their designated positions include:

- Prof. Nazmat Surajudeen-Bakinde - Vice Chancellor

- Prof. Yusuf Abdulfatah - Vice-Chancellor (Academics)

- Prof. Akinlabi Oyetunji - Director of Research and Grants

- Prof. David Gundu - Director of Academic Planning and Quality Assurance

This move follows the upcoming end of the tenure of the current Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Samuel Owusu-Ofori, on September 30.

Dr. Yakub emphasized the significance of this development, noting the strong partnership between Nigeria and The Gambia in education and technical cooperation. He highlighted that The Gambia is one of the foremost beneficiaries of Nigeria's TAC scheme, which has provided over 12,000 volunteers since its inception in 1987, including professionals from various fields.