Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), in partnership with the Kakehashi Africa-Nigeria Initiative (KANI), has awarded scholarships to 20 Nigerians for Master’s degrees and internships under the African Business Education (ABE) Initiative.
This marks the 12th batch of beneficiaries under the ABE Initiative, the SDGs Global Leader Programme Agri-Net, and PREPARE, all supported through Japan’s Official Development Assistance.
At the orientation and send-forth in Abuja, Japan’s Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr Suzuki Hideo, said the programme reflects his country’s strong commitment to Africa, especially Nigeria, in line with the Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD).
“It is not just a ceremony; it is a celebration of dreams, hard work and the beginning of a transformative journey,” he said.
“As you embark on your studies, remember you are not just students but ambassadors – the Kakehashi, or bridge – between Nigeria and Japan,” he added.
Mr Yuzurio Susumu, chief representative of JICA Nigeria, explained that the scholarships aim to nurture human resource development and strengthen socio-economic ties between both countries.
“This year, 20 participants will benefit, with most programmes lasting two years, while doctoral candidates will study for three years.
“The Japanese Government and JICA fully sponsor the scheme,” he said.
Senior JICA representative, Mr Yamamoto Tetsuya, stressed that the initiative focuses on key sectors such as agriculture, energy, health, and private sector development, which are vital to Nigeria’s growth.
One of the beneficiaries, Charles Anibogo, a principal electrical engineer at the Ministry of Power, said he would study energy transmission policy at the International University of Japan.
“With the energy challenges in Nigeria, I believe this programme will help me contribute meaningfully to energy policy on my return,” he said.
Since the programme’s launch in 2015, about 150 Nigerians have studied in Japan under the initiative, gaining both academic qualifications and internship experience with Japanese companies.
