Kwara State University (KWASU), Malete, celebrated one of its own, Prof Mohammed Gana Yisa, who was recently appointed the Nigerian Ambassador to Japan last Tuesday.
The event, held at the university's mini-convocation arena, attracted dignitaries from all walks of life, including Ambassador-designate to Malaysia, Alhaji Nurudeen Mohammed.
Until his appointment, Yisa was the Deputy Provost (Administration), College of Engineering and Technology and Head, Department of Food, Agricultural and Biological Engineering.
The don, who was accompanied by his wife and well wishers, thanked the university for the recognition and pledged his continued support.
He promised to woo investors to Nigeria and facilitate collaboration between some universities and their Japanese counterparts, especially in research and staff exchange.
"This year, the Japanese Government will give postgraduate scholarship to more than 12 Nigerians and I am happy to say that one of our staff in Agriculture also attended the interview. So, there are opportunities in the educational sector,"he said.
The Ambassador spoke of plans to use agriculture to diversify Nigeria's export to Japan.
"The trade relation with Japan is in favour of Nigeria. Our export to Japan is worth $5 billion, but our import from Japan is just $711 million.
"One will be happy to see that we have a positive outlook, but we should not be happy because all that is mainly oil and today countries are running away from oil. So, the need for diversification is also very, very important. And one strong area that I will seriously be working on is agriculture – not because I am an Agric Engineer – but because one of the few alternatives that this country has is agriculture and Japan needs raw materials from Nigeria," he said.
KWASU Vice-Chancellor, Prof AbdulRasheed Na’Allah, described Yisa as an exceptional human being.
Na'Allah also expressed confidence that the new Ambassador will do Nigeria proud in his new assignment. He urged him not to forget the university, while promising the institution's support.
"I just want you to know that every day you are there, please think of KWASU and whenever you come back to Nigeria, think of KWASU. Anywhere you are, you are a KWASU man to the core.
"I want to tell you that we are with you all the way. We will support you. We are going to go into partnership with the Japanese University, and with you, we will make a difference for Nigeria," he said.
Highlight of the ceremony was presentation of the University Plaques to the two new ambassadors by the Vice-Chancellor.
The Chairman, Organising Committee, Prof Kazeem Gbolagade; the College of Engineering and Technology, the Department of Food, Agricultural and Biological Engineering; and the Student Representative Assembly also presented gifts to the celebrant.`
