Japan to sponsor 29 Nigerians for Masters degree
The Japanese International Cooperation Agency
(JICA) says it is sponsoring 29 Nigerians to Japan
for their Master’s degree under the Japanese
Government Official Development Assistance.
A statement issued on Monday in Abuja by Ms
Salamatu Baba, Public Relations official of JICA
Nigeria, said the beneficiaries would also undergo
internship at the completion of their programme.
“This Initiative offers opportunities for young and
eligible African youths to study at Master’s
courses in Japanese universities as international
students and also experience internships at
Japanese enterprises.
“This is in order to develop effective skills and
knowledge in various fields, with the aim of
contributing to the development of industries in
Africa.
“This is in fulfilment of a promise made by Prime
Minister Shinzo Abe during the Fifth Tokyo
International Conference on African Development.
“Abe promised a strategic five-year plan to
provide 1,000 African youths with such master’s
scholarship opportunities,” it said.
Baba said JICA received 1,946 applications from 50
African countries for the scholarship for the
Japanese fiscal year admission 2016.
“In Nigeria, JICA received 196 applications that
went through the four-tier rigorous screening
exercise out of which 29 applicants were
successful.
“The participants are expected to contribute to
the development of Nigeria in collaboration with
the Japanese private sector on their return,” the
statement said.