Fourteen Ethiopian students from different disciplines have been awarded MEXT scholarships to study in Japan in 2010. The successful candidates of this year’s selection comprise twelve researchers, one undergraduate and one College of Technology student. The awardees were selected based on stiff competition from among high scoring students.

The scholarship includes monthly allowances, travel costs (travel to and from Japan) and school fees. The duration of the MEXT scholarship for research students lasts for over 24 months and could be extended in cases where the awardees qualify for MA/MSc or PhD programs. 

Starting from April 2010, the first group of the awardees, comprising three research students, one undergraduate student and one College of Technology student, has already begun their studies.

On the 16 September 2010, the Embassy of Japan organized an orientation for the second group of the MEXT scholarship winners that comprises nine research students and introduced the awardees to senior students who have studied in Japan in order to ease their transition to life in Japan and acquaint them with the Japanese life style.

H.E. Mr. Kinichi Komano, Ambassador of Japan to Ethiopia and Permanent Representative of Japan to the African Union welcomed the students in his office. On the occasion, Ambassador Komano congratulated the students on their success. The Ambassador also learnt their names, fields of study and current institutions. His Excellency commented that Ethiopia currently needs a high level of researchers and experts as the Ethiopian economy and society are incorporated into the global economy. The Ambassador further urged the awardees to grasp this golden opportunity and make a contribution to the future of their country.  ”Our hope for this country is to succeed in overcoming chronic poverty” the Ambassador said, adding, “based on our experience, the key to economic growth and development is human resources - education and training of the best people”.  

Former Monbukagakusho Scholarship winners Ms. Hiywot Woldemariam from the Japan International Cooperation Agency and Associate Professor Fikremarkos Birhanu from the Addis Ababa University shared their experience of life in Japan with the awardees. The scholars discussed cultural similarities and differences and the social and academic environments, among other things.

One of the awardees, Abreham Gebre is a lecturer of Civil Engineer at Addis Ababa University. He is going to study bridge structures in Japan. Asked about his dream, Abreham said he wants his country to benefit from the management and optimization of bridge construction that the Japanese are known for.  

Another awardee, Minyahil Teferi is going to study Petrology and Geochemistry. His study will help redress the lack of manpower in the mining sector.

The nine awardees were drawn from Mekele University, Haromaya University, Addis Ababa University and Aksum University.