The Government of Japan has donated 183 books to the University of Maiduguri under the “Read Japan Project,” in a gesture aimed at strengthening educational development and promoting cultural ties between Japan and Nigeria.
The donation was formally presented on Wednesday by the Ambassador of Japan to Nigeria, H.E. Mr. SUZUKI Hideo, at a brief ceremony held on the university campus.
The books, donated through the Tokyo Foundation and the Nippon Foundation, cover a range of subjects and are intended to expand the academic resources available to students and researchers at the institution.
Speaking at the event, Ambassador SUZUKI described the books as “powerful tools for learning and discovery,” and reaffirmed Japan’s commitment to supporting youth empowerment through education.
He praised the longstanding partnership between Japan and the University of Maiduguri, singling out the university’s “NARUTO” Japanese Culture Club as a “wonderful bridge between our cultures.”
In his remarks, the Vice-Chancellor of the university, Prof. Mohammed Laminu Mele, expressed deep appreciation for the donation and the continued support from the Japanese government.
He was joined at the ceremony by senior university officials including Prof. Mohammed Dauda, founder of the NARUTO club, who lauded the initiative for creating avenues of cross-cultural understanding and student engagement.
As part of the ceremony, the Vice-Chancellor announced plans to establish a dedicated “Japanese Corner” within the university’s Ramat Library to house the donated books and serve as a hub for Japanese studies and cultural appreciation.
The event is seen as a testament to the growing friendship and academic collaboration between Nigeria and Japan.
University authorities said the books would be made available for immediate use by students and staff to support their learning and research.
