On July 21, a delegation from North-West University (NWU) visited Kobe University.
The delegation was led by Professor Mzubanzi Bismark Tyobeka, principal and vice-chancellor, and included Professor Francois Hendrikus van der Westhuizen, executive dean of the Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences; Professor Binu Luke, chief director of the NWU Desmond Tutu School of Medicine; Dr. Shernice Soobramoney, director of Strategic Global Partnerships; Ms. Feroza Sharoon Brishmaer, executive personal assistant to the Principal and Vice-Chancellor; and Ms. Mirriam Mikateko Baloyi, general counsel and legal practitioner.

From Kobe University, the meeting at the Rokkodai Campus was attended by Professor UMEYA Kiyoshi, dean of the Graduate School of Intercultural Studies; Professor SHIRAI Yasuhito, dean of the Graduate School of Agricultural Science; and Professor YAMAUCHI Tomoya of the Graduate School of Maritime Sciences.

During the meeting, Professor Tyobeka and Professor van der Westhuizen introduced NWU’s educational and research strengths in areas including the humanities and social sciences, agriculture, maritime sciences and nuclear-related fields.
The participants also exchanged views on potential areas of collaboration between the two universities. In the humanities and social sciences, Kobe University introduced initiatives such as the African Conviviality Center and the Japan-Africa Academic Network (JAAN), and both sides confirmed their intention to develop academic exchange through African studies.
In the field of agriculture, the participants exchanged views on potential joint research in areas such as animal infectious diseases, food security, and the application of advanced technologies, including AI and drone technologies, in agriculture.
Discussions were also held on future research collaboration in nuclear and radiation-related fields, including research activities involving radiation measurement and accelerator facilities at Kobe University.

After the meeting, the delegation moved to Kusunoki Campus, where they met with Professor SHOJI Ikuo, dean of the Graduate School of Medicine, and Professor KURODA Ryosuke, director of Kobe University Hospital.  The meeting was attended by Professor SHINOHARA Masakazu, vice director of the Office for Promoting International Cooperation and director of the Next Generation International Center at the Graduate School of Medicine, as well as Project Professor SAKAGUCHI Kazuhiko and Project Assistant Professor TOMOMATSU Fumiko from the Center for Promoting Medical Education.

At the meeting, Professor Luke introduced NWU’s ongoing preparations for the establishment of the NWU Desmond Tutu School of Medicine, with the first students expected to enroll in 2028. He also expressed his interest in strengthening collaboration with Kobe University in medical education and research. With the adoption of robotic surgery advancing in South Africa, the development of skilled professionals has become an important challenge. NWU expressed its hope to strengthen collaboration with Kobe University by sharing expertise and experience in medical education and research. The participants also discussed simulation-based education, resident training and opportunities for student exchange, with South Africa offering students the chance to gain clinical experience across a wide range of medical cases.

After the meeting, the delegation visited the Center for Advancement of Community Medicine, where Project Professor Sakaguchi and Project Assistant Professor GODA Ken from the Center for Promoting Medical Education introduced the medical training facilities, including clinical skills simulators and the first Japan-produced surgical robot system “hinotori™.”

This visit is expected to further deepen exchanges between the two universities in the future.

(International Affairs Division)