The government of the Republic of China on Taiwan has offered 57 more scholarships to Gambian students to study in the Asian island nation’s universities.

It would be recalled that last Tuesday, 22 Gambians were awarded scholarships under the International Cooperation Development Fund (ICDF), to undergo bachelor’s and masters degree programmes in various areas, ranging from tropical agriculture to business administration, international studies, technology management, information systems and applications and human resources development; while five won the scholarships under the Taiwan Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) scholarship package.

In this latest development, 25 young Gambians will go for a four-year bachelor’s degree in Architectural Engineering in Taiwanese universities. An orientation ceremony was held for the 25 students yesterday at the Taiwan Culture Centre at the Gambia National Petroleum building along the Bertil Harding Highway in Kanifing.

Speaking at the ceremony , Dr Momodou Tangara, then minister of Higher Education, Research Science and Technology, reminded the students that they are expected to be ambassadors of The Gambia while on their studies in Taiwan. He urged them to distance themselves from any activity that might lay a negative reputation on their country. “While in Taiwan, you will be able to interact with new friends and be able to learn new things,” he added.

Minister Tangara also emphasised the need for the students to be law abiding while in Taiwan, saying: “There will be no complacency to allow some few rotten potatoes to spoil the lot.” He also impressed it on them that, if they make the best use of the knowledge and expertise they will acquire from Taiwan, they would make a huge difference when they return to The Gambia. “Please let us not live our lives a happy-go-lucky,” he advised, and added: “We must always work to leave a remarkable legacy.”

On his part, the Taiwanese ambassador to The Gambia, Samuel Chen, told the students that their studies in Taiwan would offer the best opportunity and environment to understand the world and speak Chinese languages. He also informed them that they will be fortunate to interact with one of the finest people the world has on offer while in Taiwan, saying the culture in Taiwan is diverse, having all the Chinese type of cultures. Like Minister Tangara, Ambassador Chen reminded the students that they must be law abiding while in Taiwan. “You don’t have to put yourselves into traps or be tempted by situations,” he said.

Delivering a vote of thanks on behalf of the students, Lamin Sanneh commended the government of Taiwan through its Banjul embassy for giving them the opportunity to pursue their studies in that country.