Abuja, Nigeria – In a significant diplomatic and economic development, the Government of Jamaica has officially requested the services of 400 Nigerian professionals across various fields to bridge the country’s widening manpower gap. This request comes as part of the broader international recognition of Nigerian expertise and follows previous successful deployments of Nigerian professionals under the Nigeria Technical Aid Corps (NTAC) scheme.
The announcement was made by Dr. Yusuf Yakub, the Director General of NTAC, during the deployment ceremony of 16 Nigerian volunteers to Benin Republic and Rwanda. The volunteers, drawn from various sectors, are expected to contribute their expertise to the educational and social infrastructure of their host nations.
Jamaica’s Manpower Shortage and Nigeria’s Role in Bridging the Gap
Jamaica, like many developing nations, is facing a shortage of skilled professionals in sectors such as healthcare, education, engineering, and technology. To address this challenge, the Jamaican government has turned to Nigeria, a country with a strong pool of highly skilled professionals.
What sets this request apart is that Jamaica has pledged to fully fund the services of the 400 Nigerian professionals, covering salaries, accommodations, and other benefits. This represents a shift from the traditional volunteer-based model of NTAC, where Nigerian professionals are deployed to support developing nations under a subsidized arrangement.
According to Dr. Yakub, this is an unprecedented opportunity for Nigerian professionals to gain international exposure while fostering stronger diplomatic and economic ties between Nigeria and Jamaica.
Nigeria’s Technical Aid Corps: A Legacy of International Development
The Nigeria Technical Aid Corps (NTAC) was established in 1987 as part of the country’s foreign policy initiative to provide technical assistance to developing nations, particularly in Africa, the Caribbean, and the Pacific. Over the past three decades, NTAC has deployed over 10,000 Nigerian professionals to various countries, contributing significantly to their socio-economic development.
Notably, past NTAC volunteers have not only been instrumental in nation-building efforts abroad, but many have also secured permanent employment and risen to top leadership positions in their host countries. Some have been appointed as Vice Chancellors and Deputy Vice Chancellors in universities, while others have taken up senior roles in healthcare, governance, and public administration.
With Jamaica’s request, Nigeria continues to solidify its position as a key player in global human capital export, reinforcing the country’s soft power and influence beyond Africa.
New Batch of Nigerian Volunteers Deployed to Benin and Rwanda
Meanwhile, Nigeria has deployed a new batch of 16 volunteers to Benin Republic and Rwanda under the NTAC scheme. These professionals, carefully selected from various disciplines, will serve in academic institutions, healthcare facilities, and engineering projects for two years before returning to Nigeria.
During the deployment ceremony, Dr. Yakub urged the volunteers to be good ambassadors of Nigeria, emphasizing the importance of professionalism, dedication, and cultural diplomacy in their respective assignments.
Among those deployed are:
- Prof. Jafaru Usman, University of Maiduguri, who will be leading the team.
- Dr. Angela Akanwa, a Senior Lecturer at Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, who expressed excitement about the opportunity to serve and contribute to Nigeria’s global reputation.
Strategic Importance of NTAC for Nigeria’s Global Influence
Nigeria’s ability to supply highly skilled professionals to other nations serves multiple strategic purposes:
- Economic Benefits – Countries like Jamaica, willing to pay for Nigerian expertise, can create a new revenue stream for the Nigerian government and its workforce.
- Diplomatic Leverage – Strengthening bilateral relations with key nations in Africa, the Caribbean, and the Pacific enhances Nigeria’s influence on global policy matters.
- Employment Opportunities – With limited job opportunities at home, NTAC provides Nigerian professionals with international exposure and career advancement.
- Knowledge Transfer – Professionals deployed abroad often return with enhanced skills, benefiting Nigeria’s workforce in the long run.
Challenges and the Need for Expansion
Despite NTAC’s successes, challenges remain. Funding constraints, bureaucratic bottlenecks, and limited awareness about the program’s benefits have prevented it from reaching its full potential. Experts have called for:
- More partnerships with developed nations for better remuneration and working conditions.
- Policy reforms to streamline the application and selection process.
- Greater public awareness to encourage more Nigerian professionals to take advantage of these opportunities.
Final Thoughts: Strengthening Nigeria’s Global Workforce
Jamaica’s request for 400 Nigerian professionals underscores the global demand for Nigerian expertise and the country’s growing reputation as a human capital hub. As Nigeria continues to export talent through programs like NTAC, there is a need to leverage these opportunities for economic growth, diplomatic influence, and strategic partnerships.
With proper investment and policy direction, Nigeria’s Technical Aid Corps can become a major foreign policy tool, not only in Africa but across the world.