By Aduwo Ayodele
The library collections in the Kenneth Dike Library of the University of Ibadan have on Friday, 5th of April, 2024, received an additional hundred books, through an initiative tagged ‘Read Japan Project Book Donation’.
The donation was facilitated by the African Association for Japanese Studies, an association that has reignited Japanese Studies in Nigeria and Africa.
The donation which was made by the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Japan to the Federal Republic of Nigeria, His Excellency, Kazuyoshi Matsunaga noted that the books were donated to ignite curiosity and provide resources for students in Japanese studies.
The Ambassador said Japan had achieved tremendous feats by focusing on its human resources, emphasizing the need for Nigerian youths to learn and benefit from Japan’s diverse culture and history.
The Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ibadan, Professor Kayode Adebowale, said ‘Japan’s dedication to supporting education and cultural exchanges resonates deeply with the mission of the University of Ibadan’.
He pledged to honour what he termed the ‘literary bounty’ by nurturing a deeper understanding of Japan’s rich heritage and contemporary contributions.
The Vice Chancellor expressed his hope that Japan would include in its policy and engagement with Nigeria, the establishment of a Centre for Japanese Studies at the University of Ibadan.
The University Librarian, Dr. Mercy Iroaganachi confident that the books would be of immense use to students, staff, and other users of the Library said ‘Kenneth Dike Library aligns with international standard best practices in the provision of diverse learning experiences through leisure and learning conditions’, adding that the collection was an added advantage to the collections in the Library.
The Secretary, Culture and Information, Embassy of Japan in Nigeria, Ms Mami Shimada, in her words during the donation event, explained the various opportunities and scholarships made available by the Japanese government.
She stated that the MEXT scholarships for international students offer a life changing opportunity to study in Japan and experience its rich culture.
Ms. Shimada also listed the available five scholarships as Research, Undergraduate, College of Technology, Specialized Training College, and Teacher’s Training.
She said the scholarships cover full tuition, round trip, travel expenses, monthly stipend, and health insurance.
