The University of Namibia (UNAM) Library was, once again, honoured as a recipient of the Read Japan Project, an initiative of The Nippon Foundation facilitated by the Embassy of Japan in Namibia. The official handover ceremony took place recently, marking a moment of cultural and academic significance for the institution with 131 books.
In his welcoming address, the Pro-Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs, Prof Frednard Gideon emphasised the transformative power of books, calling libraries “fundamental to human development and the advancement of society.”
He expressed heartfelt gratitude to His Excellency, Mr. Shinichi Asazuma the Ambassador of Japan to Namibia and his delegation, acknowledging their consistent support for UNAM and Namibian education.
“Your presence here reflects the enduring partnership and mutual respect between our two nations. This event celebrates more than the donation alone. It is a celebration of bilateral exchange, academic partnership, and global solidarity,” he said.
The Read Japan Project has now benefited the University of Namibia twice already, first in 2017, and again in 2024 – making UNAM one of the few African institutions privileged to be selected more than once. This year’s donation comprises 131 English-language book titles, valued at approximately N$40,999, covering a wide spectrum of topics including Japanese politics, society, culture, foreign relations, literature, and art that will enrich the university’s academic resources.
The Japanese Ambassador, His Excellency Mr. Shinichi Asazuma delightedly expressed his pride in formally handing over the books to the university.
“Today, a total of 131 books, worth 3,336,450 Japanese Yen will be donated to the University of Namibia. These books were carefully selected by a panel of experts and cover five key sectors-subject areas: foreign and international relations, economy and business, society and culture, literature and art, and history,” he explained.
His Excellency Asazuma further noted the Embassy’s growing relationship with the University, highlighting collaborative initiatives such as the Japan Film Festival hosted on UNAM’s campuses and the participation of Japanese institutions in international academic events.
“Through this donation, we hope our amicable bilateral relations between Japan and Namibia will be enhanced steeply,” he added sincerely.
Professor Kenneth Matengu, Vice Chancellor of UNAM, warmly welcomed the donation and affirmed the University’s longstanding and fruitful partnership with Japan, especially in the areas of capacity building and research development.
“UNAM has benefited incredibly by working with Japanese universities such as Kobe, Hokkaido, and Tohoku. These institutions have helped us strengthen our research capabilities and ensure relevance in our scientific pursuits,” he stated appreciatively.
He also recognised Japan’s support through JICA (Japan International Cooperation Agency), which has funded numerous collaborative research projects and trained Namibian scholars.
“More than 15 Namibians who hold PhDs in this University have been trained in Japan,” he proudly mentioned.
The University Librarian, Dr. Joseph Ndinoshiho, gratefully acknowledged the donation, reiterating the library’s role as custodian of knowledge and learning.
“These books are meant for the students. This shows your commitment, Your Excellency, to associating with the University of Namibia,” he said. “We are extremely grateful to the Nippon Foundation and the people of Japan for this selfless donation.”
As these titles find their place on the library shelves, they serve not only as academic resources, but as instruments of dialogue, reflection, and understanding.
The ceremony concluded with a sense of shared purpose and hope: that these books will not only expand UNAM’s academic resources, but also ignite curiosity, build intellectual bridges, and nurture a deeper understanding between Namibian and Japanese societies thereby opening minds and quietly building a more connected world.
