UNN Deepens Africa–Asia Academic Ties

The university of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), has commenced a decisive step to strengthen its global academic footprint with plans to establish an International Centre for African and Taiwan Studies, as part of efforts to deepen institutional collaboration with Taiwan.

Vice-chancellor of the University, Prof. Simon Uchenna Ortuanya, disclosed this while welcoming the Taiwanese Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr. Andy Yih-Ping Liu, and his delegation during a courtesy visit to the University.

Prof. Ortuanya described the engagement as a continuation of the growing relationship between UNN and Taiwanese institutions, noting that it builds on discussions initiated during his official visit to Taiwan in October last year.

According to the Vice-Chancellor, the proposed Centre is envisioned as a multidisciplinary platform that will promote business development, educational cooperation, and security studies, while serving as a bridge between Nigeria and Taiwanese scholarship.

Professor Ortuanya explained that the initiative aligns with UNN’s strategic vision to expand international partnerships and position the University as a leading hub for knowledge production and policy-relevant research in Africa.

Prof. Ortuanya further recalled UNN’s landmark international visit to Taiwan from 19 to 25 October 2025, during which he led a high-level delegation of the University to deepen institutional ties and explore practical areas of collaboration.

He noted that the current engagement represents a concrete follow-up to those discussions, translating diplomatic goodwill into academic and developmental outcomes.

Responding, Ambassador Andy Yih-Ping Liu expressed appreciation to the University Management for the warm reception and commended UNN for its forward-looking approach to international academic cooperation.

He identified research collaboration, institutional development, and academic exchange programmes as key areas where Taiwan and Nigeria, through UNN, could build mutually beneficial partnerships.

The Ambassador noted that sustained collaboration in these areas would create long-term benefits for staff, students and researchers, while also providing platforms for innovation and cross-border solutions to shared development challenges.

The Ambassador was scheduled to visit the proposed site for the Centre, some departments, as well as innovative research and development centres before leaving the UNN.