The Government of Japan has announced the 2024 spring Conferment of Decorations on Foreign Nationals, with Prof James Chukwuma Ogbonna, the former Deputy Vice Chancellor at University of Nigeria, Nsukka being one of the recipients.
Ogbonna who is a former Professor of Microbiology at the same university, according to a statement, was nominated in recognition of his contributions to promoting academic exchange and mutual understanding between Japan and Nigeria in the field of agriculture. He would be given the Order of the Rising Sun, Gold Rays with Neck Ribbon.
The summary of Ogbonna’s contributions, according to the statement, include Inter-University Exchange Agreements: As Coordinator of Academic Cooperation, as he spearheaded agreements between several universities, including the University of Nigeria with Hokkaido University, Tsukuba University, and Osaka University, and facilitated student exchange programmes and research collaborations.
Ogbonna, also promoted human exchange: He actively facilitated the exchange of students and researchers between the two countries. His efforts led to 55 Nigerian students studying in Japan and several Japanese researchers conducting research in Nigeria, particularly in the field of agriculture.
The statement also said Ogbonna’s work established a valuable network of contacts between academics in both countries, paving the way for further collaboration and exchange in the future, noting that his dedication has significantly enhanced academic exchange and mutual understanding between Japan and Nigeria.
