A former Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic) of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka Professor James C Ogbonna has been awarded the foreign minister’s commendation award by Japan’s foreign affairs ministry.
Also honoured was Professor Mohammed Dauda, President; Nigeria-Japan Alumni Association.
The academics who are the first Nigerians to receive such award have played an important role for many years in improving the Japan-Nigeria relationship.
Receiving the commendation, elated Prof. Mohammed Dauda said “The award wouldn’t have been possible without the support of NAIJAA members and the encouragement the University of Maiduguri (UNIMAID) management and so many people including my family members, students, mentees, colleagues and the general public”
Also, Professor James in his remarks said, “This honour will definitely motivate me to make more efforts to improve on the relationship between the two countries.” – Prof. James C. Ogbonna.
The Foreign Minister’s Commendations are awarded to individuals and groups with outstanding achievements in international fields, in order to acknowledge their contributions to the promotion of friendship between Japan and other countries and areas. The commendations also aim to promote the understanding and support of the Japanese public for the activities of the recipients.
