23 volunteer teachers return from Uganda

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Summary:

• Twenty-three volunteer teachers, including professors and Ph.D. holders, have returned to Nigeria from Uganda after completing a two-year service under the Technical Aid Corps, with the Director-General expressing plans to extend volunteer programs to 50 countries globally in the next three years, citing their positive impact and innovative contributions.

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On Saturday, a group of twenty-three volunteer teachers arrived in Nigeria from Uganda, concluding a two-year voluntary service as part of the Technical Aid Corps. The Director-General of the Corps, Yusuf Yakub, made this announcement during a ceremony in Abuja on Sunday, where the volunteers were officially received.

Yakub stated that the Corps is committed to extending its volunteer program beyond Africa, aiming to send volunteers to 50 countries, both within and outside the continent, over the next three years. Emphasizing the diversity of the volunteers’ roles, he highlighted that among them were professors and Ph.D. holders.

He affirmed, “We are continually sending volunteers not only to African nations; our goal is to have volunteers in 50 countries within the next three years.”

While acknowledging the varied roles of the volunteers, Yakub praised their exemplary service in Uganda, noting that they had served as admirable representatives of Nigeria. He mentioned that during his visit to Uganda, he received positive feedback, with the people of Uganda forming a positive impression of Nigeria through the volunteers’ actions.

Yakub underlined the Corps’ determination to overcome challenges and proceed with its mission of sending volunteers to serve the nation. He shared, “I don’t foresee any challenges hindering us from achieving our goals. We will utilize the available resources to accomplish our objectives.”

Highlighting some specific achievements, Yakub mentioned a volunteer who, as a professor in a university, had innovatively utilized plant fibers from bananas and other plants to create building materials for Uganda. He revealed that due to the outstanding performance of the volunteers, some countries were requesting the renewal of their stay.

However, Yakub clarified that the Corps policy does not allow for the renewal of volunteer stays but suggested that countries could engage the volunteers on a contractual basis. He expressed the Corps’ willingness to support those volunteers who had received such offers.

Sharing her experience, one of the volunteers, Associate Professor Sharon Ibinoba, reflected on her role as the Dean in a university in Uganda. She highlighted the challenges faced but expressed satisfaction in leaving a positive impact and contributing to Nigeria’s positive image abroad. Ibinoba emphasized the importance of structures in Nigeria that, if implemented, could enhance the country’s progress.