SUMAS Hosts Nippon Foundation Delegates Under the READ JAPAN PROJECT, Receives 169 Books on Japan
The State University of Medical and Applied Sciences (SUMAS), Igbo-Eno, Enugu State, on Wednesday, August 5, 2026, hosted delegates from The Nippon Foundation and the Embassy of Japan under the READ JAPAN PROJECT, during the official presentation and handover of books to the Rt. Hon. Lawrence Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi Library.
The delegation was led by Mr. Kozaki, Deputy Head of Mission, Embassy of Japan in Nigeria, accompanied by Ms. Teramoto, Second Secretary of the Embassy of Japan, and members of the Japan Alumni Association of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN).
Speaking during the handover ceremony, Mr. Kozaki stated that the donation was made possible through the READ JAPAN PROJECT, an initiative of The Nippon Foundation. He explained that under the Foundation’s Fiscal Year 2025 Project, a total of 169 books related to Japan were being donated to SUMAS.
According to him, education remains one of the strongest foundations for mutual understanding between nations. He expressed optimism that the books would deepen the understanding of Japan among students, researchers, and members of the University community while further strengthening the long-standing friendship between Japan and Nigeria.
Mr. Kozaki also paid glowing tribute to the Vice-Chancellor of SUMAS, Professor James C. Ogbonna, for his commitment to promoting academic collaboration between Nigeria and Japan. He commended the Vice-Chancellor for his leading role in bringing together Nigerian alumni of Japanese universities and recalled that, in 2024, Professor Ogbonna was honoured with the prestigious Order of the Rising Sun, Gold Rays with Neck Ribbon by His Majesty the Emperor of Japan in recognition of his outstanding contributions to strengthening relations between Japan and Nigeria.
Delivering a message on behalf of the Tokyo Foundation, Ms. Teramoto explained that The Nippon Foundation, through the READ JAPAN PROJECT operated by the Tokyo Foundation, is committed to promoting access to quality information about Japan for people around the world who are interested in the country.
She disclosed that, to date, the Foundation has donated more than 117,000 books to over 1,600 libraries and research institutions in more than 150 countries, expressing delight that the State University of Medical and Applied Sciences had joined the growing list of beneficiary institutions.
Ms. Teramoto further assured the University that The Nippon Foundation would continue to expand the range of books provided through the READ JAPAN PROJECT to satisfy the intellectual curiosity of people interested in Japan. She expressed the hope that students and young scholars at SUMAS would make full use of the books, not only to deepen their understanding of Japan but also to serve as bridges of friendship and cooperation between Nigeria and Japan.
Welcoming the delegation, the Vice-Chancellor of SUMAS, Professor James C. Ogbonna, expressed profound appreciation to The Nippon Foundation, the Embassy of Japan, the Tokyo Foundation, and members of the Japan Alumni Association for choosing the University as a beneficiary of the READ JAPAN PROJECT.
Professor Ogbonna described the handover ceremony as symbolic, noting that it represents the fruit of the cordial relationship that has continued to exist between the young University and various institutions in Japan through the Embassy of Japan.
The Vice-Chancellor observed that Japan and Nigeria have enjoyed a long-standing diplomatic relationship built on mutual respect and cooperation. He acknowledged Japan’s numerous contributions to Nigeria’s development through projects in infrastructure, education, healthcare, agriculture, environmental sustainability, and information technology.
He cited recent interventions by Japan, including the donation of road maintenance equipment worth billions of naira, the establishment of a plastic waste collection centre in Jabi, Abuja, the development of a start-up innovation hub in Abuja, grassroots healthcare and educational projects across Nigeria, as well as support for educational and ICT development in several Nigerian institutions.
Professor Ogbonna further noted with satisfaction that bilateral trade between Japan and Nigeria has continued to grow steadily and is now valued at over one billion dollars. He expressed confidence that, given current global economic trends, the volume of trade and cooperation between both countries would continue to expand.
The Vice-Chancellor expressed delight that SUMAS had joined the over 1,600 libraries and research institutions worldwide benefiting from the READ JAPAN PROJECT. He assured the delegation that the books would be carefully preserved and maximally utilized as valuable resources for teaching, learning, and research, while also serving to deepen the friendship between Japan and Nigeria.
He reaffirmed SUMAS’ commitment to strengthening partnerships with Japanese universities, research institutions, and development agencies. According to him, the University is eager to foster meaningful collaborations in education, research, innovation, healthcare, and technology for the mutual benefit of both countries.
Professor Ogbonna also highlighted the University’s strategic location near the borders of Enugu, Benue, and Kogi States, noting that any grassroots development project located at SUMAS would have a far-reaching impact on communities across the three states. He therefore expressed optimism that the existing relationship would open the door to more developmental projects and collaborations in the future.
The ceremony concluded with the formal handover of the books to the Rt. Hon. Lawrence Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi Library, presentation of souvenirs, group photographs, and renewed commitments by both the Japanese delegation and the University to sustain academic cooperation, cultural exchange, and the enduring friendship between Japan and Nigeria.
