The Ambassador Extraordinary Plenipotentiary of Japan to Nigeria, Kazuyoshi Matsunaga, has described education as the foundation of a thriving society even while access to knowledge is essential for unlocking individual potential and driving national development.
Amb. Matsunaga who made the observation during his official visit and the Read Japan Project Book Donation Ceremony to the University of Ibadan, held at the TrenchardHall of the university said: “that is why the Nippon Foundation has generously donated the collection of books to UI, an institution known for its commitment to academic excellence.”
Other representatives on the team were the wife of the ambassador, Yoko Matsunaga and secretary of Culture and Information, Embassy of Japan, Ms Shimada Mami.
He observed that the key to success of the nation lies in the hands of the youth while their ability to learn from other countries will be crucial in shaping the future, stating that “Japan, having overcome numerous challenges and achieved prosperity offers valuable insights and solutions that can benefit Nigeria.”
He noted that the books “cover a wide range of subjects and offer new perspectives, ignite curiosity, and provide valuable resources for students and researchers. They will not only enrich the academic environment here at Ibadan University but also contribute to the intellectual growth of future generations of Nigerian leaders and thinkers.
“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,” Matsunaga said.
The president of the African Association for Japanese Studies (AAJS), Dr Doyin Aguoru in her address maintained that the enduring bond between Nigeria and Japan is strengthened by shared values, mutual respect and a profound love for literature and learning.
Dr Aguoru, who doubles as the director of Centre for Excellence in Teaching and Learning (CETeL), said the visit and the ‘Read Japan Project Book Donation Ceremony’ holds an immense significance and “it is a testament to Japan’s commitment to global education and cultural exchange.
She disclosed that since the inception of the ‘Read Japan Project’ initiated by ‘The Nippon Foundation’ in 2008, to promote the understanding of Japan through the donation of Japan-related books in English to universities and libraries around the world, it had generously donated 74,313 books to institutions across 138 countries and territories, while the University of Ibadan through the project would also receive an additional contribution of 100 Japanese books.
“This is a treasure trove that will enrich our academic pursuits and deepen our understanding of Japan’s rich heritage, as the first and the best university in Nigeria and beyond,” she said.
She further said: “I was on behalf of the African Association for Japanese Studies, nominated for the application for the Read Japan Grant by the Japanese embassy in the year 2022 for the University of Ibadan.”
“This nomination is as a result of the faith the Japanese Embassy in Nigeria had in the African Association for Japanese Studies and the good will for the University of Ibadan.”
Applauding the management and particularly the current vice chancellor of the institution, Professor Kayode Adebowale for the enabling environment given at each point of AAJS’s journey existence, she established that the AAJS had effectively reignited Japanese Studies in Nigeria and Africa.
“In our seven years of establishment, we have held successful conferences, workshops and specialised sessions and are in collaboration with institutions within Nigeria, Africa and other continents. Our peer reviewed Journal and Monograph Series STAJ Studies in Transnational Africa and Japan is in its Seventh Volume, she noted.
She on behalf of the association and university appreciated the invaluable gifts from the Tokyo Foundation for Policy Research’s Read Japan project team and Nippon Foundation, saying, “may our shared commitment to education and cultural exchange flourish, creating ripples of understanding that reach far beyond these walls.”
The vice chancellor, Professor Kayode Adebowale, in his welcome address at the ceremony, said “the unwavering commitment to strengthening bilateral relations between Japan and Nigeria is commendable, adding that “your country’s dedication to supporting education and cultural exchange resonates deeply with our own mission here at the University of Ibadan.”
The aim of the project according to the VC was to support the activities of researchers, opinion leaders, and intellectuals who are not necessarily Japan specialists and to also help them to broaden their knowledge of Japan and expand the scope of their expertise.
“This has been brought to the legendary Kenneth Dike Library today and the University community is bound to benefit greatly from it. We appreciate this and know that this collection will yet be another very useful addition to the Kenneth Dike Library of the University of Ibadan,” he said.
While solicited a Centre for Japanese Studies in the University of Ibadan, to deepen the nation’s engagement with the premier university, he said “the Association for Japanese Studies, have assiduously pursued its goals with very little support; we also hope that you will also lend the association your full weight to make it to reach greater heights.
He, therefore, encouraged the students, faculty, and researchers in the institution to explore the texts with an open mind.
“Let them inspire you, challenge you, and broaden your horizons. Let us join the Association for Japanese Studies in Africa to engage in scholarly dialogues that transcend borders, celebrating the universality of knowledge while cherishing our unique perspectives,” he stressed.
Receiving the books officially on behalf of the university to the Kenneth Dike Library, the university librarian, Dr Mercy Iroaganachi, appreciated Amb Matsunaga for his valuable contribution to the first University library in Nigeria.
“This donation I want to assure you is an added advantage to our connection in the library. It is noteworthy that these books will be of immense use to students, staff and other users of the library,” she said. Tribune.
