MEET RAKEL EMMA-OKAH NIGERIAN BORN TRIPLET, GRADUATE OF MEDICINE IN A HUNGARY UNIVERSITY
HOW I AND MY TRIPLET SISTER KAREN STUDIED MEDICINE IN HUNGARY—DR RAKEL EMMA-OKAH REVEALS
When pretty and cool looking intelligent Miss Rakel Emma-Okah left the shores of Nigeria to Hungary Eastern Europe in the company of her triplet born sister Miss Karen Emma-Okah as both gained admission to study Medicine and Surgery at University of Debrecen in Hungary, little did she know how foreign cultures will impart further social knowledge on her medical training. Her co-triplet born sister Miss Karen is older having come out first from her mother’s womb among the triplets comprising 2 girls and one boy. They are Karen, Rakel and Owen Emma-Okah. The triplets were born on 23rd of April, 1996 at First Consultants Hospital, Ikoyi, Lagos Southwest Nigeria.
Their father Honourable Barrister Emma Okah, is Rivers state born legal luminary and astute politician who served former Governor of Rivers state, Dr. Peter Odili first as Chief Press Secretary to the Governor and as Commissioner during Celestine Omehia’s 5-months interregnum and in the NEW Vision Government of Governor Nyesom Ezenwo Wike also as Commissioner for Housing later Commissioner for Information and Communications. He holds an LLM degree in Law from University of Lagos and LLB from University of Calabar. Dr. (Miss) Karen Emma-Okah made First Class Summa Cum Laude while Dr. (Miss) Rakel Emma-Okah came out with Second Class Cum Laude the 3rd born among the triplet is a boy Master Owen Emma-Okah who holds a degree with Double Majors in Accountancy and Finance from a Canadian University as he now works as a Financial Advisor in a Canadian bank.
The Ear Witness Publisher /Editor-in- Chief, Emeka Amaefula-+234(0)8111813069 on Saturday 11th of December, 2021 interviewed the twosome-triplet born female Medical Doctors as they were inducted into the Medical Profession after graduation.
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May I meet you?
Rakel: I am Dr. Rakel Emma-Okah.
How do you feel being born triplets?
Rakel: Being born as part of a triplet feels normal. It’s the only form of normal I’ve ever known. If anything, the question should be how would I feel if I was born alone. That would be so odd really. I’m used to having partners as siblings. Partners in the sense that we are all equal in age and everything else. It would be so odd if we were born separately with significant age differences. The ‘age difference’ between us is just 1 minute each.
If given a choice, would you have chosen not to be born as a triplets?
Rakel; No, never. Being born as part of a triplet is one of my biggest flex LOL. Having my siblings as partners going through life with me just makes everything easier.
Studying in Hungary requires use of foreign language to communicate effectively, so in your own case what was it like for the first time in Hungary?
Rakel: At first, there was a huge culture shock but some Nigerians set up organizations that helped and we were taught basic Hungarian for the first three years. In addition, the people are friendly and a lot of the younger generation speak English as it is now taught in some of their schools.
As a medical student in Hungary did you receive instructions in English or in Hungarian language?
Rakel: We get this a lot. LOL. We were taught exclusively in English language although we were taught Hungarian so as to be able to communicate with patients effectively and with the locals in general.
Being a Nigerian by birth, will you prefer working abroad to coming back to your country of origin for work experience?
Rakel: I look forward to a time when l can work to help patients in Nigeria. However, currently, I am working towards gaining work experience abroad. Because of the country where l studied, my medical degree is recognized in certain countries without needing to first take their licensing examinations. A few examples are the United Kingdom, Ireland, Malta, Germany, etc. I will love to experience how medicine is practiced in different settings.
Why is it that most NIGERIAN foreign students excel in their academics abroad and their counterparts at home find it difficult to be properly educated in terms of acquiring knowledge in their field of endeavour?
Rakel: Personally, I feel good saying that given the conditions in Nigerian institutions, my counterparts in Nigeria are doing well in terms of acquiring knowledge in their various fields of endeavour. Studying abroad affords you some level of comfort like constant electricity, free internet access, access to journals and publications as well as opportunities to be involved in research and student friendly policies which unfortunately is lacking in Nigeria but yet these people study and come out to be exceptional doctors. This goes to show that Nigerians are resilient and when you put such people in a system that works, the outcome is bound to be impressive. For example, a lot of Nigerian trained doctors work and excel in the UK, the United States and all over the world, really.
Two of you studied Medicine and Surgery MBBS degree (Doctor of Medicine M.D) in Hungary, how did you explore social life in that country?
Rakel: Well, there were a lot of international students in Hungary studying in English and the university hosted a lot of activities in a bid to promote international relations. From having classes with these students to Friday nights out, there was never a dull moment. You get to learn a lot about different cultures and being able to travel to almost any country in Europe with the residence permit from Hungary, was just icing on the cake.
Given another opportunity would you like to return to Hungary for further studies?
Rakel : Definitely. Over time, Hungary became a home away from home for me. The university offers various scholarships for students who wish to further their education after graduation although most doctors prefer to go into practice than toil the academic route.
Given another opportunity would you like to return to Hungary for further studies?
Rakel: Definitely. Over time, Hungary became a home away from home for me. The university offers various scholarships for students who wish to further their education after graduation although most doctors prefer to go into practice than toil the academic route.
What advice do you give to other Nigerian youths who want to go abroad for further studies?
Rakel : Firstly, nothing prepares you for the culture shock. Expect it and find ways to deal with it and you’ll be fine. Lastly, being abroad gives you a certain level of freedom to do whatever you want but as my dad always says, with freedom comes great responsibilities. It is important to remain focused on the goal and it is paramount that parents not just cater to the financial responsibilities of their ward abroad but also their moral, mental and emotional wellbeing.
—– Emeka AMAEFULA —+234(0)8111813069
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