…as Benin’s higher education minister commend Nigeria’s support
By Gloria Ikibah
In a strategic effort to break communication barriers and boost trade, development, and bilateral relations between Nigeria and the Republic of Benin, the Director General of the Nigerian Technical Aid Corps (NTAC), Hon. Yusuf Buba Yakub, led a high-level delegation to Cotonou on Monday for talks with the Togolese Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, Prof. Eleonore Yayi Ladekan. 
The meeting focused on enhancing cooperation in language learning and professional exchange, with the NTAC DG stressing the importance of the Agency’s role in promoting South-South collaboration by deploying skilled Nigerian professionals to partner countries.
Hon. Buba Yakub reaffirmed Nigeria’s readiness to deepen ties with its neighbours through initiatives that promote mutual understanding, especially in areas like language and education, which are critical for unlocking the full potential of regional cooperation.
He said: “Our aim is to as much as possible try to mitigate the barriers placed by language in the process of fostering deeper relationships among our people,which is the long-term ideal of every diplomatic effort.
“This will booster trades between our both countries and lead to better economic outcomes for everyone.We know that wherever language is a barrier, progress is limited.So,for NTAC to continue to champion these moves something tells you that we have seen the enormous gains in what we started for our both countries.
“From this collaboration,we intend to deploy a number of English teachers to your country so that we can facilitate an effective learning and acquisition of English Language.We will also learn French.As I said earlier, the goal is to bring down the linguistic divide that exists between our countries and by so doing enhance all other aspects of our bilateral engagements, including trades, services and cultural exchange.”
While receiving the delegation from the Nigerian Technical Aid Corps (NTAC), the Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research of the Republic of Benin, Prof. Eleonore Yayi Ladekan, expressed heartfelt appreciation for Nigeria’s consistent support.
She praised the impact of NTAC’s programmes, particularly in capacity building and human resource development within Benin.
The Minister specifically highlighted the establishment of the Nigerian International School in Cotonou, describing it as a milestone achievement that has significantly contributed to the country’s educational progress in recent years.
She also expressed a keen interest in exploring additional areas of cooperation with NTAC to further strengthen bilateral engagement.
Prof. Ladekan reaffirmed Benin’s commitment to maintaining and expanding collaborative efforts with Nigeria for the mutual benefit of both nations.
She extended her gratitude to the NTAC delegation and conveyed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his administration’s unwavering dedication to the advancement of African unity, development, and regional cooperation.
The NTAC Director General, was accompanied by Director of Programmes, Amb. Zakari Usman, other NTAC officials, and representatives from the Nigerian Mission in Cotonou, including Messrs Mubarak Mohammed Mantu and Emmanuel Nwosa.
On the Beninese side, the Minister was joined by members of her team: Ahounouikpe F. Judith, Gbenou Victoria V., Lalaye A. Philippe, Youssa A. Juaka, and Akpovi Salvadore.
