The Vice Chancellor of the University of Abuja (UniAbuja), Prof. Abdul-Rasheed Na’Allah, has revealed that more than 200 students from the institution are currently undergoing training to collaborate with Japanese companies.
This was disclosed in Abuja during the 3rd Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) Chair event with the theme, “Making of Modern Japan,” held at the University of Abuja campus. Prof. Na’Allah emphasized the significance of learning from Japan’s success story and highlighted the opportunities available for UniAbuja students to study the Japanese language.
According to him, many students are currently studying Japanese, and the goal is for them to grasp the spirit of Japan, which has played a pivotal role in the country’s growth into the world’s second-largest economy. Prof. Na’Allah added that the success of Japan can serve as a valuable model for Nigeria, which possesses abundant resources, to achieve excellence.
Furthermore, he stressed the importance of resolving industrial disputes within the university system without resorting to strikes, expressing the university’s commitment to preventing future strikes. The Ambassador of Japan to Nigeria, H.E Matsunaga Kazuyoshi, pledged continued support for the University of Abuja and highlighted various scholarship opportunities and programs for students interested in Japanese culture and language.
In a presentation on “Nigeria’s Relation With Asia: Issues and Prospects,” Prof. Afaha Philip, the Deputy Vice Chancellor and Dean of the Department of History and Diplomatic Studies, discussed the positive economic impact of Japan-Nigeria relations. He also called for the Engineering Department to explore collaborations, particularly with Toyota, and consider establishing a plant on the university campus.
