The Federal Government is preparing to commercialise the Nigerian Technical Aid Corps (NTAC) volunteer programme, according to the agency’s Director-General, Dr. Yusuf Yakub.
Yakub disclosed this on Friday in Abuja during the deployment exercise of 20 Technical Aid Corps (TAC) volunteers, made up of doctors and nurses, to The Gambia.
He explained that commercialising the scheme will not only help partner nations fill professional gaps but also address Nigeria’s unemployment challenges by engaging young experts who are currently underutilised.
“We have an abundance of unemployed youths in Nigeria and several skilled professionals who are not fully engaged, while the world is in need of experts to fill gaps,” Yakub said.
He noted that the performance of Nigerian volunteers in the past had earned the programme international credibility, citing Jamaica’s recent request for 400 Nigerian professionals as an example of growing demand.
Yakub urged the departing volunteers to be good ambassadors of Nigeria, while commending President Bola Tinubu for sustaining the TAC programme as part of Nigeria’s soft power diplomacy.
“The abundant human resource in Nigeria is being harnessed to contribute to the development of our sister countries, especially in Africa, the Caribbean, and the Pacific. This not only builds partnerships but also promotes cultural exchange and strengthens South-South cooperation,” he added.
The NTAC boss stressed that the initiative reflects Nigeria’s commitment to supporting global development while creating opportunities for its citizens.
About the author
Societal stigma on women makes me wish I were a man – Phyna
Reality TV star and media personality Ijeoma Otabor, popularly known as Phyna, says societal stigma and pressure on women sometimes make her wish she were a man. She said she feels life is much easier for men because they are given more freedom and judged less harshly. Phyna explained that women face many unspoken rules and restrictions about how they should dress, talk, behave and live their lives. She noted that while men are mainly expected to work hard and make money, women are often criticised even when they do the same or more. According to her, every choice a woman makes is easily questioned or labelled. She said women are judged over their relationships, lifestyle, appearance and even their success, in ways that men rarely experience. Phyna added that the constant scrutiny can be exhausting and mentally draining. She […]
‘No alcohol, bread, soda’ – Ice Prince shares new lifestyle rules
Nigerian rapper Ice Prince has shared details of his new strict lifestyle routine, saying he has completely cut out alcohol, bread, soda and several other habits from his life. He revealed the changes in a post on social media, explaining that they have had a powerful impact on his health and wellbeing. Ice Prince said he now avoids sugar, alcohol, wine, energy drinks, soda, noodles, pasta and bread. He also disclosed that he has quit smoking and stopped using seed or vegetable oil in his meals. The “Oleku” crooner noted that he has gone nearly a year without cigarettes, alcohol, soda and energy drinks. He described quitting smoking as the best decision he has ever made, saying he feels “unchained and saved.” According to the rapper, the lifestyle changes have helped him lose weight and feel more energetic and positive. […]
Jerry Eze recounts ordeal during EFCC alleged money laundering probe
Pastor Jerry Eze has opened up about his emotional ordeal during a six month investigation by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission over alleged money laundering. He spoke at the Jerry Eze Foundation Business Grant Award Ceremony in Abuja while reacting to recent comments by EFCC chairman Ola Olukoyede about the case. Eze, lead pastor of Streams of Joy International, said the period of the probe was deeply distressing for him. He recalled calling fellow pastors, including Poju Oyemade and Pastor Sarah, to ask what he had done wrong and why he was being targeted when he believed he had done nothing. According to him, the investigation weighed heavily on his mind even though he was confident he had no reason to fear. He said people often see headlines but do not understand the anxiety and pressure that come with […]
Former England defender Ashley Young to retire at 40
Former England defender Ashley Young has announced he will retire from professional football at the end of this season, aged 40. Young, who now plays for Championship side Ipswich Town, said it will be “23 years and out” when the campaign finishes. The versatile full back and winger began his career at Watford before moving to Aston Villa, where his performances earned him a big money transfer to Manchester United in 2011. He later had spells at Inter Milan and Everton, winning league titles in both England and Italy. Young made his England debut in 2007 and went on to win 39 caps for the national team, scoring seven goals. He represented the Three Lions at major tournaments, including Euro 2012 and the 2018 World Cup. After leaving Everton in 2025, Young joined Ipswich on a one year deal and […]
Galatasaray declare Osimhen ‘untouchable’
Galatasaray have slammed the door on potential suitors for Victor Osimhen, declaring the Nigerian striker “untouchable” after his explosive impact in Turkey. The club has made it clear that they have no plans to entertain offers for the Super Eagles star this summer. Osimhen joined Galatasaray on loan and has quickly become the team’s main attacking threat, delivering goals and big game performances, including in the Istanbul derby against Fenerbahce. His form has attracted reported interest from top European clubs, including Arsenal and Real Madrid. Club insiders quoted in Turkish and Nigerian media say Galatasaray’s board views Osimhen as central to their domestic and European ambitions next season. They believe letting him leave now would weaken the squad and send the wrong message to supporters. Galatasaray officials are also said to be exploring ways to extend his stay beyond the […]
Burnley boss Parker leaves club after Premier League relegation
Burnley head coach Scott Parker has left the club by mutual consent, just days after their relegation from the Premier League was confirmed. The Clarets will return to the Championship next season after a poor campaign that saw them win only four of their first 34 league matches. Relegation was sealed with a 1 0 home defeat to Manchester City on April 22, Burnley’s 22nd loss of the season. The team collected just one point from their last eight league games, leaving them 19th in the table with 20 points. In a statement, Burnley said Parker and the board had agreed that his time at Turf Moor should come to an end following talks after relegation was confirmed. The club thanked him for his professionalism, dedication and contribution and said he leaves with the respect and gratitude of everyone at […]
Related
Fed Govt pushes tech driven risk management for stronger economy
The Federal Government says technology driven risk management is now central to building a more resilient Nigerian economy. Secretary to the Government of the Federation George Akume made this known at the 2026 National Risk Management Conference in Abuja. Represented by the Director of General Services in his office, Idris Ibrahim, Akume urged policymakers, industry leaders and development partners to embrace modern risk tools to manage emerging threats. He said rapid digital transformation, security challenges, climate uncertainties and global economic shocks demand smarter and more proactive responses. Akume noted that technologies such as artificial intelligence, fintech and digital governance platforms are reshaping economies worldwide. He warned, however, that these tools also introduce new vulnerabilities that must be managed through strong institutions, sound regulation and strategic planning. The SGF called for deliberate investment in digital infrastructure, cybersecurity and research to support […]
NMA rejects court ruling giving FCCPC power to probe medical negligence
The Nigerian Medical Association has rejected a Federal High Court ruling that affirmed the powers of the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission to investigate complaints of medical negligence. The court, in a judgment delivered in Abuja on April 15, upheld the FCCPC’s authority to probe healthcare providers over alleged failures in service. In a statement, the Lagos State branch chairman of the NMA, Dr Babajide Saheed, described the ruling as surprising and troubling. He argued that Nigerian law already gives the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria exclusive responsibility for regulating medical practice, ethics and disciplinary cases, including negligence. Saheed warned that allowing an external agency such as the FCCPC to investigate medical negligence could create overlapping mandates, institutional clashes and inconsistent standards in handling sensitive healthcare matters. He said negligence cases often involve complex clinical issues that require […]
Court rejects FCCPC’s fresh bid to halt airtime lending
A Federal High Court has rejected a fresh attempt by the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission to stop airtime lending services run through major telecom networks. The ruling preserves an earlier interim injunction that protects airtime and data credit providers while a substantive suit on new lending rules is being heard. The case centres on the FCCPC’s 2025 Digital, Electronic, Online or Non Traditional Consumer Lending Regulations, which the commission wants to fully enforce across digital lenders, including Airtime Credit Service providers. Industry group Wireless Application Service Providers Association of Nigeria argues that the rules place heavy and conflicting burdens on telecom based lending services already regulated by the Nigerian Communications Commission. In its latest application, the FCCPC asked the court to lift or vary the injunction so it could proceed with implementation of the new regime. Justice Lewis […]
2027 polls: Supreme Court to decide PDP, ADC fate today
The Supreme Court will today deliver key judgments that will decide the fate of the Peoples Democratic Party and the African Democratic Congress ahead of the 2027 general elections. The apex court is set to rule on four appeals linked to leadership crises tearing through the two opposition parties. In the case of the PDP, the appeals centre on the validity of the party’s national convention held in Ibadan, Oyo State, on November 15 and 16, 2025. A faction led by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar is asking the court to uphold the convention and its decisions, while rival groups insist due process was not followed. Previous rulings from lower courts faulted the PDP for obtaining conflicting orders from courts of equal rank over its internal dispute. One Court of Appeal decision described the party’s actions as an abuse of […]
Xenophobia: NANS tells FG to protect Nigerian students in South Africa
The National Association of Nigerian Students has called on the Federal Government to urgently protect Nigerian students studying in South Africa amid renewed fears of xenophobic attacks. The students’ body said reports from South Africa show growing hostility towards foreigners, including Nigerians, and warned that the situation could escalate if not addressed quickly. NANS leaders urged the government to engage directly with South African authorities through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Nigeria’s High Commission in Pretoria. They said diplomatic pressure and clear agreements on the safety of Nigerians are necessary to prevent further attacks and harassment. The association also asked the Federal Government to issue a strong public statement condemning xenophobic violence and reassuring Nigerian students and their families that their safety is a priority. It noted that many students and parents are living in fear as disturbing videos […]
Xenophobia: NANS tells FG to protect Nigerian students in South Africa
The National Association of Nigerian Students has called on the Federal Government to urgently protect Nigerian students studying in South Africa amid renewed fears of xenophobic attacks. The students’ body said reports from South Africa show growing hostility towards foreigners, including Nigerians, and warned that the situation could escalate if not addressed quickly. NANS leaders urged the government to engage directly with South African authorities through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Nigeria’s High Commission in Pretoria. They said diplomatic pressure and clear agreements on the safety of Nigerians are necessary to prevent further attacks and harassment. The association also asked the Federal Government to issue a strong public statement condemning xenophobic violence and reassuring Nigerian students and their families that their safety is a priority. It noted that many students and parents are living in fear as disturbing videos […]