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.

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