…Nigeria, Japan must strengthen collaboration, say envoy, UI VC
The Japanese Ambassador to Nigeria, Kazuyoshi Matsunaga, over the weekend, urged the Nigerian state to tap into the potential of its youths to engender development in the most populous black nation.
Amb. Kazuyoshi Matsunaga stated this at his official visit to the University of Ibadan and the Read Japan Project Book donation ceremony 2024, which took place at the Trenchard Hall of the premier university.
Mrs.Yoko Matsunaga, the envoy’s wife and Ms. Shimada Mami, Secretary, Culture and Information, Embassy of Japan to Nigeria were part of the entourage.
The Embassy nominated Dr. Adedoyin Aguoru, who is the President,  the African Association for Japanese Studies University of Ibadan and Director, Centre for Excellence in Teaching and Learning, UI, to apply to the Read Japan Project which is funded by The Nippon Foundation.
The Japan-related books in English are donated to universities and libraries around the world. The project is administered by the Tokyo Foundation for Policy Research with financial support from The Nippon Foundation.
The envoy  said the key to Nigeria’s  success lies in the hands of the youth, adding that their ability to learn from other countries would be crucial in shaping Nigeria’s future.
Matsunaga stated that Japan, having overcome numerous challenges and achieved prosperity, offers valuable insights and solutions that can benefit Nigeria.
The envoy said:‘’It is an honour to be here today as the Ambassador of Japan to Nigeria, representing the Nippon Foundation in this exciting book donation ceremony. We all know that education is the foundation of a thriving society, and access to knowledge is essential for unlocking individual potential and driving national development. That’s why the Nippon Foundation has generously donated this collection of books to Ibadan University, a renowned institution known for its commitment to academic excellence.
‘’During my three years in Nigeria, I’ve witnessed significant changes, including the removal of fuel subsidies and the unification of the foreign exchange rate. While these changes may present temporary challenges, I firmly believe they are the right steps towards long-term progress.
‘’The key to success lies in the hands of the youth. Their ability to learn from other countries will be crucial in shaping Nigeria’s future. Japan, having overcome numerous challenges and achieved prosperity, offers valuable insights and solutions that can benefit Nigeria.
‘’Japan’s story is one of resilience and resourcefulness. Despite having limited natural resources, we’ve achieved remarkable development by focusing on human resources. During the Meiji Restoration, young Japanese actively sought knowledge abroad and, upon their return, contributed significantly to Japan’s advancement.
‘’I believe Nigerian youth can learn valuable lessons from our history and culture. That’s why we’re thrilled to donate these 100 books today. They represent an opportunity to learn about Japan’s diverse culture, arts, and history, and I hope that this knowledge will inspire and equip Nigerian youth to contribute to their nation’s development. Together, let’s build a brighter future for Nigeria, drawing inspiration from our shared values and commitment to progress’’.
In her address, the President,  the African Association for Japanese Studies , University of Ibadan and Director, Centre for Excellence in Teaching and Learning, UI, Dr. Aguoru, said the gesture  signified the enduring bond between Nigeria and Japan.
Aguoru lauded Japan’s plan to share the existing opportunities such as scholarships and academic opportunities in Japan with the University of Ibadan community.
The scholar added: ‘’I, on behalf of the African Association for Japanese Studies, was nominated for the application for this This Read Japan Grant by the Japanese embassy in the year 2022 for the University of Ibadan library. This nomination is as a result of the faith the Japanese Embassy in Nigeria has in the African Association for Japanese Studies and the good will for the University of Ibadan, the first and the best university in the Federal Republic of Nigeria and beyond’’.
Also speaking, the Vice Chancellor of the university, Prof. Kayode Adebowale, who lauded the donation, said the Association for Japanese Studies in Africa has been a courageous engagement spearheaded by Founding President, Dr Adedoyin Aguoru.
Adebowale said the books are vessels of knowledge, windows into diverse worlds, and catalysts for intellectual growth.
‘’Your country’s dedication to supporting education and cultural exchange resonates deeply with our own mission here at the University of Ibadan’’, the VC added.
The University Registrar, Mr. Ganiyu Saliu, who did the vote of thanks, and the University Librarian, Dr. Mercy Iroaganachi, lauded the Asian country for the donation
Earlier, the Ambassador and his team had paid a courtesy visit to the office of the Vice Chancellor. The team was received by the VC and other principal officers, including Prof. Oluyemisi Bamgbose (SAN), who is the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Research, Innovation and Strategic Partnerships) and others.