The University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN) on Tuesday took another strategic step toward strengthening its global academic footprint as the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Simon Uchenna Ortuanya, received in a courtesy visit the Taiwanese Ambassador to Nigeria, His Excellency Mr. Andy Yih-Ping Liu, at the Conference Hall of the Vice Chancellor’s Office, Nsukka Campus.
The high-level engagement, which took place today, at about 2:00pm, brought together top members of the University’s leadership in what Analysts and Observers describe as a significant moment in UNN’s growing international collaboration drive, particularly in the areas of education, research, innovation, and cross-cultural academic exchange.
Prof. Ortuanya addressing Ambassador Andy, at the occasion
Welcoming the Ambassador and his delegation, Prof. Ortuanya described the visit as a continuation of the growing relationship between UNN and Taiwanese institutions, recalling his earlier trip to Taiwan last year where foundational discussions were initiated.
According to the Vice Chancellor, the meeting is directly linked to UNN’s strategic effort to establish the International Centre for African and Taiwan Studies, envisioned as a multidisciplinary platform focusing on business development, educational cooperation, and security studies.
He noted that such initiative is designed not only to expand UNN’s international partnerships, but also to position the institution as a leading hub for knowledge production and policy-relevant research in Africa, connecting global expertise with local development needs.
Ambassador Andy Yih-Ping Liu presenting his address to the Institution
Providing further context to the engagement, the Vice Chancellor referenced UNN’s landmark international visit to Taiwan between 19 and 25 October 2025, during which he led a delegation of the University to deepen institutional ties and explore concrete partnership opportunities.
During the visit, UNN held engagements with prominent Taiwanese institutions and stakeholders, including National Chengchi University, Ming Chuan University, Tamkang University, as well as Taiwan’s Ministries of Foreign Affairs and Education, and the Taiwan African Business Association.
A cross section of the University management team at the event
“The Taiwan trip,” the Vice Chancellor noted, “represented a deliberate move by the University to expand global networks that can translate into student and staff exchange programmes, joint research initiatives, academic mobility, and shared innovation projects.”
In his response, Ambassador Andy Yih-Ping Liu expressed appreciation to the University leadership for the warm reception and commended UNN for what he described as a forward-looking approach to international academic collaboration.
He noted with enthusiasm that UNN is playing a pioneering role in strengthening Taiwan’s academic partnerships, particularly as the collaboration is expected to expand through exchange programmes projected to take place across the African continent.
Speaking passionately, the Ambassador reflected on Taiwan’s development journey, recalling how the country rose from a place of limited natural resources to becoming a technologically sophisticated society within five decades.
He emphasized that the transformation of Taiwan was driven largely by deliberate investment in education, research, innovation, and strong institutional partnerships; values he believes can equally inspire meaningful cooperation with Nigeria, especially through UNN’s leadership in research and academic development.
Ambassador Liu highlighted several potential areas of collaboration between Taiwan and Nigeria through the University of Nigeria, spanning both educational and policy-relevant spheres.
He noted that strengthening partnerships in research, institutional development, and academic exchange could offer long-term benefits for students, faculty members, and researchers, while also providing platforms for innovation and cross-border solutions to shared development challenges.
The engagement further reinforced the idea that modern universities must serve as engines of diplomacy and development, where academic relationships are not only about certificates and conferences, but about building sustainable bridges that deliver real-world impact.
The event attracted strong institutional presence, with members of the University Management team in full attendance, including a full complement of Deans of Faculties, Provosts of Colleges, the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic), the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Administration), and the Registrar of the University.
Their attendance affirms the significance the University places on international collaboration, particularly as UNN continues to seek partnerships that elevate academic standards, attract global opportunities, and expand the institution’s research relevance.
The presentation of gifts to the Ambassador
The visit ended on a cordial note as Professor Ortuanya presented gifts to the Ambassador, including a specially made portrait of Mr. Andy Yih-Ping Liu, described by guests as a thoughtful symbol of friendship and mutual respect.
A group photograph was also taken to commemorate the event, capturing what many described as a promising chapter in UNN’s international engagement agenda.
Observers note that the strengthening of ties between UNN and Taiwan holds immense promise for academic advancement and global competitiveness. Beyond the symbolic value of diplomatic visits, such partnerships can translate into practical benefits including collaborative research funding, innovation support, knowledge transfer, faculty development, student exchange programmes, and exposure to global best practices.
