This article was published in the Spring 2024 issue of Litterae Populi. The full issue can be found here.

Dr. John Yabe
Senior Lecturer, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Namibia, Windhoek, Namibia

I was honored when I was asked to be a Partner of Hokkaido University that accorded me a platform to soar to greater heights in my career in addition to contributing to Hokkaido University. Alumni Association Zambia was launched in 2016 at University of Zambia in Lusaka, and I became Secretary of the association. Recently, I have been an active Partner in Zambia and University of Namibia (UNAM) where I am working.

As a Partner, I have actively promoted the university in my area of influence, which has helped to arouse enthusiasm in my students. Whenever I visit Sapporo, it gives me fulfillment to see my former students enrolled at Hokkaido University. The visit of Hiroaki Terao, Vice President at that time, during the launch of the association in Zambia made an indelible impression on me. This showed how significant our activities were considered.

Since completing my PhD studies at Hokkaido University over 10 years ago, I have continued collaborating with the Laboratory of Toxicology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Hokkaido University in lead poisoning research in Zambia. This led to the joint research project entitled “Kabwe Mine Pollution Amelioration Initiative (KAMPAI)” from 2016-2022. As Team Leader, I coordinated research activities. Also, I have initiated research collaborations in environmental toxicology between Hokkaido University and UNAM leading to the signing of MOU in 2022. Moreover, in southern Africa, Hokkaido University is collaborating with Universities of Zambia, Zimbabwe, Namibia, and Botswana in a project to be called ZAZINAMBO, to tackle the impact of mining-related environmental pollution on One Health. As Regional Coordinator, I traveled through the region in 2022. Through these various activities, I cemented my role as a Partner, and my research career has been propelled to greater heights, where my contribution has been recognized among the world’s top medical experts on Lead Poisoning.

I am impressed with the current educational initiatives at Hokkaido University, which demonstrates consistency in promoting research and education in Africa. The reputation in Zambia is entrenched owing to the establishment of the Hokkaido University Office in Lusaka and the large number of the graduates, who have excelled worldwide. In other countries like Namibia and Botswana, Hokkaido University is unknown, so I am enthusiastic to increase its visibility in the region.

During my student life, I benefited from the remarkable learning environment and have fond memories of ski excursions. Being a student from Africa, it was amazing how quickly I mastered skiing and enjoyed the annual excursions. I also became passionate about Japanese castles and toured Nijo-jo, Kinkakuji, Osaka, Kumamoto, Matsuyama castles, etc. Hokudai- sai (Hokkaido University Festival) was also a great event that enabled me to taste sumptuous menus from all over the world.

I have been in Windhoek, the capital city of Namibia, for 3 years. The city is completely different from Sapporo as it is mostly arid owing to desert conditions. As I write this, I am at Hokkaido University as an invited teacher braving one of the coldest winter days with blizzard conditions and looking forward to my trip back to the warmth of Windhoek.

Following the relaxation of travel restrictions after COVID-19 pandemic, I would like to urge Hokkaido University members to expand their horizons in unfamiliar territories including Lusaka and Windhoek.

*The HUAP system ran from 2016 to 2024. The program has been revised to Hokkaido University Global PR Ambassador (HUPRA).

This article was published in the Spring 2024 issue of Litterae Populi. The full issue can be found here.