IUIU Receives New Batch of TAC Volunteers from Nigeria
The Islamic University in Uganda (IUIU) has received a new batch of Technical Aid Corps (TAC) volunteers from Nigeria at the Main Campus in Mbale on Friday, 17th July 2026.
The team of 17 members was welcomed by the university administration led by the Rector, Assoc. Prof. Ismail Simbwa Gyagenda, alongside the Vice Rector for Finance and Administration, Prof. Abdul Kaziba Mpaata; the Vice Rector for Academic Affairs, Dr. Jamil Serwanga; the University Secretary, Mr. Sewankambo Hamza; the Academic Registrar, Dr Adam Ali, and other members of staff.
Speaking at the reception, Prof. Gyagenda expressed IUIU's excitement about continuing its long-standing partnership with the TAC programme. He commended the Federal Government of Nigeria and the TAC leadership for sustaining the initiative, describing it as a novel way of supporting fellow member states through technical expertise.
"We only knew about the Peace Corps. So we really want to thank the Federal Government of Nigeria for continuing to support this wonderful idea, and the TAC leadership for carrying it out so well," the Rector said.
The Rector pledged the university's commitment to working closely with the volunteers and the Nigerian High Commission to ensure the programme delivers real value, adding that IUIU was ready to resolve any challenges that arise together, as has been the practice in previous years. He noted that some volunteers from earlier batches had been retained by the university after completing their tours, and expressed hope that the new team would similarly leave a lasting impact on the institution's students.
Prof. Gyagenda also extended appreciation to his team, including Ibrahim and the University Secretary's office, for coordinating the volunteers' reception, from their initial programme in Kampala through to their arrival in Mbale.
Speaking on behalf of the team, Prof. Abdulateef Femi Usman, a professor of history and international studies and the group's team leader, thanked the Rector, Vice Rectors, and management staff for the warm reception accorded to them since their arrival in Uganda.
He pledged that the volunteers would abide by the laws of Uganda and the regulations of IUIU, while discharging their responsibilities in teaching, learning, research, community service, and capacity building. He appealed to the university management to provide an enabling environment for the team to carry out its duties effectively.
"We are from different states in Nigeria, different social and cultural backgrounds, and different academic disciplines, but here we are as a team," Prof. Usman said, adding that the volunteers hoped to be retained beyond their two-year tour, as some of their predecessors had been, depending on the university's financial capacity.
He added that the team was committed to instilling their knowledge, expertise, and Nigerian values into the university community, while also embracing the cultural values of Uganda and IUIU during their stay.
