The collections in the Kenneth Dike Library of the University of Ibadan have received a boost with the donation of an additional 100 books from Read Japan Project Book Donation.
The donation was made by the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Japan to the Federal Republic of Nigeria, His Excellency, Kazuyoshi Matsunaga under the Read Project Book Donation.
Ambassador Matsunaga said the books were donated to ignite curiosity and provide resources for students in Japanese studies.
He said Japan had achieved tremendously by focusing on its human resources, saying Nigerian youths can learn and benefit from Japan’s diverse culture and history.
The Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ibadan, Professor Kayode O. Adebowale, mni, FAS, said the country dedication to supporting education and cultural exchanges resonates deeply with the mission of the University of Ibadan.
He pledged to honour the ‘literary bounty’ by nurturing a deeper understanding of Japan’s rich heritage and contemporary contributions.
Professor Adebowale expressed the 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 donation was facilitated by the African Association for Japanese Studies, an association that has reignited Japanese Studies in Nigeria and Africa.
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The President of the Association and Acting Director of the University of Ibadan Centre for Excellence in Teaching and Learning, Dr Doyin Aguoru, said the AAJS seeks to promote intellectual exchange and cross cultural enrichment- a spirit that transcends borders and unites all in the pursuit of knowledge and understanding.
She said the Association, which was established seven years ago, had held successful conferences, workshops, and specialised sessions and is in collaboration with institutions in Nigeria, Africa, and other continents.
Dr Aguoru said the books would not only enhance understanding of Japan but also inspire critical thinking, creativity, and global awareness among the faculty, administrators, and students of the University of Ibadan.
The University Librarian, Dr. Mercy Iroaganachi said the Kenneth Dike Library aligns with international standard best practices in the provision of diverse learning experiences through leisure and learning commons, adding that the collection was an added advantage to the collections in the Library.
She was confident that the books would be of immense use to students, staff, and other users of the Library.
The Secretary, Culture and Information, Embassy of Japan in Nigeria, Ms Mami Shimada, 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 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.
The Read Japan Project was initiated by the Nippon Foundation to promote the understanding of Japan through the donation of Japan related books written in English to universities and libraries around the world. It had so far donated 74,313 books to institutions across 138 countries and territories.
