By Emma Emeozor
For Nigerians, the name Taiwan is synonymous with business. The South East Asia Island is known as a hub for manufactured products that flood the Nigerian market.
Meanwhile, Taiwan has moved beyond the frontiers of trade in its relations with Nigeria. The 23 million people island is supporting Nigeria in other areas such as education and health.
In recent times, it has made critical interventions in the health sector of some states of the federation on humanitarian ground. It has also offered international scholarships to qualified Nigerians to study in its universities.
Ms Anita Lo’oh Silds (Ph.D student, Molecular medicine at the Teaching Hospital, Taipei Veteran General Hospital) and Mr Raphael Onuku (Master’s Degree with specialization in Glioblastoma (cancer of the brain research) are among the Nigerian students studying in Taiwan. The duo shared their experiences with Daily Sun in the Capital City, Taipei recently.
Reflecting on her experience as a student, Anita said: “Basically, it has been a good experience coming to Taiwan for a Ph.D programme. It comes with determination and intensity, not only in Taiwan but also all over the world. So, I will say it has been fair. With the technology here, I have learnt a lot. Considering the leaning facilities Taiwan has at the moment and what Nigeria has, I think I have an edge.”
Asked to explain what she meant, Anita said she has learnt the basic technology she needed to help her handle cancer cases (treatment) and, also, she has gained very good experience to be able to mentor others as well as assist them research-wise.
Daily Sun asked to know how she got to far away Taiwan for studies. With a tweet of smile and calmness, she said: “Yes, I think this is a very good question because I’m always asked how did I come to Taiwan.
“I subscribed to Nature Job and the connection popped up Taiwan International Graduate scholarship as one of the best scholarships and I applied for it online. But I was told that it involves a very tedious process. But it came very easy for me because just after I applied, I was called for the interview online.
“Within ten minutes, the interview was over with very few questions asked. After a while, I got a message that I have been admitted into the programme. The whole process was done online. This was how I came to Taiwan.”
Anita said she was not financially stressed because her scholarship is being well administered. “In the first three years, Academia Sinica was responsible for my scholarship and in the subsequent years, my supervisor is expected to take responsibility), she explained.
But what makes the difference between medical training and, health care offered in Taiwan different from that of Nigeria’s teaching hospitals. Anita was cautious when she expressed her opinion: “Yes, on health care offered in the two countries, I think I will give Taiwan thumbs up because they have very good health care system. I was actually operated here in Taiwan for a major surgery, from this same hospital. I had a very good treatment. So, I will give it to Taiwan, they are very good in health care system. I have had a personal experience. I have also stayed in Nigeria.
Anita believes that the problem with Nigeria is lack of commitment to good governance. He said: “It comes with dedication, Taiwan is dedicated to having the best; they have joined hands to make sure they have the best for their citizens.
“The health care system here (Taiwan) is very good because it covers most of their expenses and this has given them an edge. Coming back to Nigeria, there is a lot lacking in the government. The government needs to sit up to, probably, do things right.
“Let every one have a choice of having a very good health system and the facilities and trained personnel should be available. We (Nigerians) are very intelligent people but people should be trained professionally to be able to perform in their respective calling.”
She was quick to suggest training in qualified institutions abroad. “Our citizens should be sent to countries like Taiwan, the United States and other parts of the world to learn what they are doing and bring it back home to input in the lives of the people. The government has to take responsibility, especially where individuals are not financially stable to do it alone. Expectedly, they come back to offer their services to the nation. So the government has to be dedicated in giving the society this opportunity so that we can come back and offer the skill we have acquired to the people as our contribution to national development and growth.
Despite the strides Taiwan has made in the area of health care locally and internationally, it is not a member of the World Health Organisation (WHO). This is despite its efforts to gain the world body’s recognition.”
Anita expressed discomfort over the situation. According to her “it’s a right, not a choice” for Taiwan to join a world body like WHO that oversees health matters across the world.
“I think that the world should know that anybody who is able to fulfill the essential functions of the organization should be allowed to join it. So I think Taiwan should be given the opportunity to become part of WHO.
She also commented on the cost of treatment in Taiwan compared to that of Nigeria. She said the cost of treatment in Taiwan was reasonable. “The Health Insurance Scheme here (Taiwan) has actually covered most of the medical expenses of the people. So the patients don’t really feel the pinch even though, yes, it may be expensive for someone who doesn’t have the insurance.
“But for someone who has the health insurance, it covers almost all of the expenses. This is very good. I think Nigeria is lacking in this area. Therefore, when you (Nigerians) go to the hospital, you pay so much to get treated. I’m looking at the gap between the rich and the poor. The social strata have actually affected us in almost all the aspects of our lives. So, I think we should have a very good health insurance scheme to help the people whether one is poor or rich, Nigerians should have access to the basic health facilities.
On Taiwan hospitality, Anita did not hesitate to say that “they are good, they have demonstrated it to me.” Excited as she was to laud the Taiwanese for their hospitality, Anita, perhaps, seems to be shying away from Taiwan’s local dance steps. It was more of a confession when she said: “I don’t know how to do the dance.” Even then, it cannot be ruled out that she could decide someday to join the Taipei Folk Dance Theatre for ‘take away dance steps’ to demonstrate back home in Nigeria.
But if Anita has not learnt how to do the dance, how about the Taiwan local food. As nobody jokes with his or her stomach, expectedly, she said: “For the food, I’m trying to cope with it even though I have stayed for five years. But I think it is fair.”
Raphael Onuku, a Master’s degree student at Taipei Medical University (TMU), had an interesting tale to tell even as he expresses great passion for his motherland, Nigeria. He said “financial constraints made me lean towards universities with English language waivers, predominantly in Asia. My quest led me to Taiwan, charmed by its globally recognised universities.
“A lot of universities in Taiwan are highly ranked by the QS Ranking and English-taught programmes. TMU stood out for me, owing to the outstanding work of Prof. Kunal Nepali and Prof. Jing-Ping Liou in glioblastoma (cancer of the brain) research, a subject close to my heart.”
As if to confirm Anita’s claim on the ease of admission and award of Taiwan government scholarship to foreign students, Onuku said his story was “a testament to the ease of the application process, provided one possesses the necessary authenticated transcripts, motivation and personal statements, and certificates.”
Sincerity of purpose, humility, hardwork and respect for his host (Taiwanese) earned a place of envy in the university and the society at large. It was no wonder that he served as President of the International Student Association of TMU.
And as at press time, Onuku has completed his Master’s degree and was on a two-month International Internship Programme offered by the Taiwan International Graduate Program at Academia Sinica, preparatory to his next educational journey to the United States of America. He has secured a fully funded Ph.D programme in Medicinal Chemistry at the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor.
On educational system in Taiwan, Onuku said the system, though distinct from Nigeria; it held familiar elements of warmth and inclusivity. He said: “Its uniqueness lay in the seamless blend of traditional teaching methods and innovative educational technologies, fostering an environment of proactive learning.
“Professors didn’t merely teach; they inspired curiosity, encouraging us to explore beyond the textbooks. Grading was holistic, taking into account our understanding, participation, and practical application of knowledge. This system, though initially novel, encouraged me to view education not just as a path to grades but as a journey of lifelong learning.”
Interestingly, Onuku had the opportunity of displaying Nigeria’s culture during the university’s Cultural Day. He was full of excitement when he said: “Recently, I had the honour of participating in the TMU African Cultural Festival from May 10 to May 12, an event organized by the TMU Office of Global Engagement.
“Representing Nigeria, I displayed cultural artifacts and shared fascinating aspects of Nigerian cultural life with attendees. The experience was a testament to the power of cultural exchange, and it was deeply rewarding to see the enthusiasm with which participants embraced my heritage.”
He said beyond academics, he was enchanted by Taiwan’s “blend of urban sophistication and traditional charm, in addition to the serenity of its temples, the bustle of its night markets, and the beauty of its landscapes.
“From exploring the verdant hiking trails to spending leisurely afternoons at Fulong Beach, every new adventure deepened my appreciation for this island nation,” he explained.
Undoubtedly, the ease with which Onuku and other Nigerian students navigate the terrain of Taiwan is as a result of the hospitality of Taiwanese. He attests to this when he said: “A generous dose of Taiwanese hospitality, extended by my professor and colleagues, acted as a comforting balm as I navigated this new landscape.
“Despite my outgoing personality, befriending Taiwanese students proved a unique challenge, their shy nature forming a gentle yet perplexing barrier. Still, my persistent efforts bore fruit. I formed bonds with a few Taiwanese students, their kindness and humility warming my heart. My fellow international students, hailing from various corners of the world, became my second family, our shared experiences forging lasting friendships.”
Commenting on stomach infrastructure, Onuku said one of the first cultural shocks he received was the unfamiliar tastes and fragrances that greeted him. And with time, he realised that food was “Taiwan’s way of introducing itself to me. The diversity was staggering, and my first encounter with a local delicacy, Stinky Tofu, was a symphony of strange smells and textures. Seafood was a staple, and vegetables unknown to my Nigerian palate graced every meal. I found myself cherishing the flavours, even recreating some in my own kitchen.”
Onuku has words of advise for Nigerian students seeking university admission abroad. Hear him: “To my fellow Nigerians, I encourage you to consider Taiwan as a destination for your higher education. This vibrant island nation is not just a global hub for technology and innovation, but also a place where traditional culture and modernity coexist harmoniously.
“The educational institutions in Taiwan, such as Taipei Medical University, offer a rich, international academic environment, cutting-edge research opportunities, and a wealth of scholarships for international students.
“As a Nigerian, the warmth, inclusivity, and support I received here in Taiwan made me feel at home from day one. Venturing out of our comfort zones and embracing new cultures and experiences can lead to personal and professional growth in ways we could never imagine. So, let’s dare to dream, dare to explore, and dare to take that first step towards a world of opportunities waiting for us in Taiwan.”
