Image Focus: Prof. Simukanga Honoured by Japan
Prof. Stephen Simukanga, the Director-General of the Higher Education Authority (HEA) was honoured by Japan with the Japanese Foreign Minister’s Commendation for 2023 for his role in expanding and deepening mutual understanding and friendly relations between the Republic of Zambia and Japan during his tenure as Vice-Chancellor of the University of Zambia (UNZA).
Prof. Simukanga was awarded the Commendation Certificate at a Ceremony and Reception held in his honour at the residence of the Ambassador of Japan to the Republic of Zambia, His Excellency, Mr. Kazuyuki Takeuchi.
The Japanese Foreign Minister’s Commendation is awarded to individuals and groups with outstanding achievements in international fields, to acknowledge their contributions to the promotion of friendship between Japan and other countries in different sectors. For 2023, Prof. Simukanga received this award together with 186 individuals and 63 groups from all over the world.
Prof. Simukanga served as UNZA Vice-Chancellor from 2007 – 2015. He was honoured at an event which took place on Tuesday, 17th October 2023.
Below are some images from the event.
You can view all the images from the event at www.hea.org.zm/heazambia.
Leave us a comment when you spot yourself and tag your institution in your image.
Prof. Simukanga greets former Zambia Qualifications Authority (ZAQA) CEO, Mrs. Mirriam Chiyaba. Looking on are HEA Acting Director-General, Dr. Martin Mushumba (Back), and Mrs. Chiyaba’s husband. 
Dr. Mushumba greets UNZA Acting Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Annie Sikwibele. 
ZAQA Director – Corporate Services and former HEA Manager – Finance, Mr. Ronald Chulu, shares a light moment with the Director of Ceremonies, Ms. Sangwani Stemgene Sichinga, who is also the Public Relations and Cultural Analyst at the Embassy of Japan in the Republic of Zambia. 
Dr. Mushumba embraces Prof. Hellicy Ng’ambi, Vice-Chancellor of University of Kabwe and former Vice-Chancellor of Mulungushi University. 
Mr. Chulu poses for a picture with his former subordinate, HEA Corporate Communications Officer, Mr. Birbal Boniface Musoba. 
Prof. Simukanga listens to the Ambassador of Japan to the Republic of Zambia, His Excellency, Mr. Kazuyuki Takeuchi, gives his remarks. 
Dr. Hikaru Kusakabe of Hokkaido University Africa Office in Lusaka read congratulatory messages on behalf of Hokkaido University from Prof. Kiyohiro Houkin, Hokkaido University President, and Prof. Ayato Takada, Director of the International Institute for Zoonosis Control. 
Mr. Norihito Yonebayashi, JICA Chief Representative to Zambia, read a congratulatory message on behalf of Mr. Akihiko Tanaka, President of JICA. 
Mr. William Nyundu, Ministry of Education Director of Planning and Information, read the Keynote Speech on behalf of the Minister of Education, Honourable Mr. Douglas Munsaka Syakalima MP., who could not attend the event due to prior national commitments 
Prof. Sikwibele proposes a toast to Prof. Simukanga. 
Prof. Simukanga toasts with Dr. Mushumba and others following Prof. Sikwibele’s toast. 
Prof. Simukanga gives his vote of thanks. 
Prof. Simukanga poses for a picture with his family, Mr. Nyundu and Mr. Kazuyuki. 
Prof. Simukanga, Mr. Nyundu and Mr. Kazuyuki pose for a picture with invited Vice-Chancellors from Higher Education Institutions in Zambia.
