The Nigeria-Japan Alumni Association (NAIJAA) President, Professor Mohammed Dauda, has encouraged returnee scholars to apply the knowledge and connections acquired in Japan towards the development of Nigeria.
The President addressed the MEXT Scholars recently in Abuja during Orientation, Farewell, and Welcome Party held at the residence of His Excellency, Ambassador SUZUKI Hideo, Ambassador of Japan to Nigeria.
The occasion brought together nearly 80 alumni who studied in Japan, as well as returning and outgoing MEXT awardees. Prof. Dauda expressed profound honour in standing before the gathering as a beneficiary of the MEXT scholarship and as President of NAIJAA. He shared his personal experience studying in Japan from 1997 to 2002, which profoundly shaped his life and career.
During his address, Prof. Dauda commended the Japanese government for designating Kisarazu as the symbolic home of Nigerians in Japan and expressed NAIJAA’s readiness to work towards making this vision a reality. He noted that NAIJAA had established the first connection with Kisarazu through Prof. Yisa.
The NAIJAA President welcomed the returning scholars home and encouraged them to apply their knowledge and networks towards Nigeria’s development while maintaining strong ties with Japan. To the outgoing scholars, he advised them to approach Japan with open minds, humility, and a spirit of curiosity, learning not only the academic content of their studies but also the values of discipline, precision, respect, and resilience.
Prof. Dauda expressed gratitude to Ambassador SUZUKI Hideo and the Embassy of Japan for their unwavering support and to MEXT for sustaining the bridge of knowledge and friendship between Nigeria and Japan.
The event highlighted the significance of cultural exchange and knowledge sharing between Nigeria and Japan. NAIJAA has been instrumental in promoting Japanese culture and language in Nigerian universities, mentoring new scholarship awardees, and collaborating on cultural initiatives. The association has also supported the Embassy and promoted cultural exchange between the two countries.
The MEXT scholarship has provided opportunities for Nigerians to study in Japan, fostering knowledge and friendship between the two countries. The scholarship has enabled Nigerian students to acquire valuable skills and knowledge, which they can apply to contribute to Nigeria’s development. With the continued support of the Japanese government and the Embassy, NAIJAA looks forward to strengthening the bond between Nigeria and Japan.
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