The Vice-Chancellor, University of Ibadan, Prof. Kayode Adebowale and the Japanese Ambassador, Kazuyoshi Matsunaga

 By Nehru Odeh

It was an event whose time had come. And it left no one in doubt that indeed the educational and cultural exchange between Japan and Nigeria which had been on for a long time is not just on course but has been beneficial to both countries.

That came to the fore at the Read Japan Book Project Donation Ceremony which was held at Trenchard Hall, University of Ibadan on Friday, April 5, 2024. At that ceremony not only did the Nippon Foundation, donate 100 Japan-related books to the Kenneth Dike Library at the University of Ibadan but also educational and scholarship opportunities were unveiled.

Educational and scholarship opportunities unveiled? Certainly. The event was organized by the African Association of Japanese Studies in conjunction with the University of Ibadan. The book donation ceremony was actually in fulfillment of the application for the Read Japan Grant which the Nippon Foundation had recommended University of Ibadan as a recipient of Japan-related books in 2022.

Japanese Ambassador to Nigeria, Kazuyoshi Matsunaga speaking at the event

The President of the African Association for Japanese Studies  Dr Adedoyin Aguoru, had received the recommendation for the grant through the Japanese Embassy and on her volition applied for this grant for the University of Ibadan. The  nomination, according to Aguoru, is a result of the faith the Japanese Embassy in Nigeria has in  the African Association for Japanese Studies and the goodwill for the University of Ibadan,

Present at the book donation ceremony were the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ibadan, Prof Kayode Oyebode Adebowale; the Japanese Ambassador to Nigeria,  Kazuyoshi Matsunaga and his wife  Yoko Matsunaga; Ms Shimada Mami, Secretary, Culture and Information, the Japanese Embassy: the President, African Association of Japanese Studies, Dr Adedoyin Aguoru and other principal officers of the University of Ibadan.

Ms. Shimada Mami, Secretary, Culture and Information, the Japanese Embassy, speaking at the event.

Setting the ball rolling, Aguoru, who is also the Director of, the Centre for Educational  Excellence in Teaching and Learning, University of Ibadan, said the presence of the Japanese Ambassador to Nigeria signified the enduring bond between Nigeria and Japan—a bond strengthened by shared values, mutual respect, and a profound love for literature and learning.

“This occasion we are celebrating —the Read Japan Project Book Donation Ceremony—holds immense significance. It is a testament to Japan’s commitment to global education and cultural exchange. Since its inception in 2008, the Read Japan Project has generously donated 74,313 books to institutions across 138 countries and territories. Today, we receive an additional contribution of 100 Japanese books, a treasure trove that will enrich our academic pursuits and deepen our understanding of Japan’s rich heritage.

“These books are more than ink on paper; they are gateways to new worlds, bridges between cultures, and catalysts for dialogue. As scholars, educators, and students, we embrace this literary bounty with open arms. These volumes will find their place in our libraries, classrooms, and research centres, sparking curiosity and fostering cross-cultural connections,” she noted.

Aguoru also used the opportunity to inform the guests that the creation of a  Japanese section at the Kenneth Dile Library was in the pipeline as she was already in talks with the University Librarian, Dr Mercy IROAGANACHI  to make that a reality.

President of the African Association of Japanese Studies, Dr Adedoyin Aguoru speaking at the event.

“These books will not only enhance our understanding of Japan but also inspire critical thinking, creativity, and global awareness among the faculty, administrators and students of the University of Ibadan.  I have had several meetings with the University Librarian Dr Mercy IROAGANACHI on the creation of the Japanese section at the Kenneth Dike Library and action will be taken now that the books are here.

“We hope that you will be back here to commission it in October 2024 when we hold the Annual African Association for Japanese Studies Conference.   We desire that you take our pending request on the establishment of a Japanese Studies and Resource Center at the University of Ibadan up and that you also fulfil your promise of bringing up-to-date manga to the  University  Library.

“To the students and faculty present, I encourage you to explore these texts with enthusiasm. Let them transport you to the bustling streets of Tokyo, the high-tech laboratories in Osaka and Nagoya, the serene temples of Kyoto, and the poetic landscapes of Mount Fuji. Let us engage in scholarly dialogues that transcend borders, celebrating the universality of human experience while cherishing our unique perspectives

“As we stand on this academic crossroads, let us remember that education knows no boundaries. It is a force that unites us, transcending oceans and cultures. May the Read Japan Project continue to illuminate our path toward enlightenment, fostering lifelong learners who appreciate the beauty of diversity.” Aguoru maintained.

The Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ibadan, Prof. Kayode Adebowale, for his part, said the Read Japan project aimed 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.

“These books that have been carefully selected by Dr Adedoyin Aguoru are not mere volumes; they are vessels of knowledge, windows into diverse worlds, and catalysts for intellectual growth. They will find their place in our libraries, classrooms, and hearts, enriching the academic pursuits of our students and scholars. From literature to history, from society to the arts and sciences, these books will ignite curiosity, spark dialogue, and foster cross-cultural connections.

“The Association for Japanese Studies in Africa has been a courageous engagement spearheaded by Founding President, Dr Aguoru.  Initially founded,  here at the University of Ibadan where great things begin, as The Society for Japanese Study in Africa on the 27th of October 2017, the association has in less than a decade achieved National,  Continental and Global relevance by igniting Japanese studies in Africa and enabling African and  Japanese ties. The Association has had several successful conferences, and workshops and has a thriving peer-reviewed journal STAJ, Studies in Transnational Africa and Japan which is already in its 7th Volume. The University of Ibadan is proud of Dr Adedoyin Aguoru and the African Association for Japanese Studies.

The Vice-Chancellor also commended the Japanese Ambassador for his unwavering commitment to strengthening bilateral relations between Japan and Nigeria. He also reiterated the need for a Centre for Japanese Studies at the University of Ibadan.

“Your country’s dedication to supporting education and cultural exchange resonates deeply with our mission here at the University of Ibadan. As we receive this literary bounty, we pledge to honour it by nurturing a deeper understanding of Japan’s rich heritage and contemporary contributions, we also hope that you will include in your policy and engagement with Nigeria and our great university a Center for Japanese Studies in the University of Ibadan. 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 reach greater heights, the Vice-Chancellor said.

In his speech, the Japanese Ambassador,  Kazuyoshi Matsunaga, who represented the Nippon Foundation at the book donation ceremony, gave the reason why the Nippon Foundation donated the books to the University of Ibadan.

“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.

The audience at the event

“These books cover a wide range of subjects and offer new perspectives, ignite curiosity, and provide valuable resources for students and researchers. We believe that 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.

The Ambassador also urged the Nigerian state to tap into the potential of its youths to engender development in the most populous black nation. He 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’’.

Aside from the book donation ceremony, Ms Shimada Mami, on behalf of the  Japanese Embassy also unveiled educational and scholarship opportunities to staff and students of the University of Ibadan. Prof,  Aderonke Baiyeroju also presented the AASS  journal (Studies in Transnational  Africa and Japan to the Japanese Ambassador and Kenneth Dike Library.

The Ambassador and his team had earlier 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.