{"id":954,"date":"2026-01-22T09:59:04","date_gmt":"2026-01-22T00:59:04","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.ias.niigata-u.ac.jp\/?page_id=954"},"modified":"2026-06-26T12:23:34","modified_gmt":"2026-06-26T03:23:34","slug":"gsst","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.ias.niigata-u.ac.jp\/en\/international\/jica\/gsst\/","title":{"rendered":"GSST JICA Support Desk"},"content":{"rendered":"
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JICA Support Desk<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The JICA Support Desk is a dedicated space created to guide and assist students who are part of our community. What makes this desk unique is that it is run by fellow students who themselves have benefited from the JICA program, bringing firsthand experience, empathy, and understanding to the support they provide. Whether you are seeking advice, mentorship, or simply a friendly face to help you navigate your academic journey, the JICA Support Desk is here to ensure you feel supported and connected. It is more than just an office; it is a welcoming hub where shared experiences inspire growth and success.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Messages<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Last Updated: September 25th, 2025<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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JSD Staff<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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My name is Wiyao Banakinaou, from Togo, a country in West Africa. I am an ex-participant of the JICA program ABE Initiative 2021,
and currently a doctoral student at the Graduate School of Science and Technology (GSST), Niigata University. My research focuses on sustainable agriculture, particularly on soil carbon sequestration and the development of predictive models for nutrient cycling and
greenhouse gas mitigation.
During my master's and doctoral studies, I benefited greatly from the support of the JICA Support Desk (JSD). The assistance I received, whether through guidance, advice, or daily practical help, played an important role in my smooth academic and personal life in Japan. It is therefore a privilege for me to now be part of the JSD team. This role gives me the opportunity to give back by supporting current and future JICA scholars, just as I was supported when I first arrived. I would like to encourage all JICA scholars to make full use of the JSD office. It exists for your benefit,
to help you adapt, to ease challenges, and to ensure that you make the most of your time at Niigata University.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Name: BANAKINAOU Wiyao, Ph. D. Student
JICA Program: ABE Initiative Batch 8
JSD Term: 2024-current<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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My name is MUSA SAIDI Kam's, an alumnus of the JICA ABE Initiative program (Batch 9, 2020) from the Democratic Republic of the Congo. I completed my master's degree at the Graduate School of Science and Technology (GSST), Niigata University, and am currently pursuing my doctoral studies in the same institution. My research focuses on mining exploration, geochemistry, and metallogeny for sustainable mineral resource development.
During my master's studies, I benefited greatly from the JICA Support Desk (JSD), which invaluable provided assistance throughout my academic journey. Today, I am honored to be part of the team that supports other JICA scholars, offering guidance and resources to help them succeed.
The JSD serves as a vital resource for JICA scholars, addressing various challenges and providing essential support. I strongly encourage all current and prospective JICA scholars to make full use of this office whenever they encounter difficulties or need assistance. Man can only evolve and develop in and through society, and the contributions of those around him seem necessary for the achievement of his objectives.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Name: MUSA SAIDI Kam's, Ph. D. Student
JICA Program: ABE Initiative Batch 9
JSD Term: 2025-current<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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I am AHMADU Abdulrahman from Nigeria, an ex-participant in the JICA 9th batch ABE Initiative program, 2022. I obtained my master's degree from the Graduate School of Science and Technology (GSST), Niigata University. I then proceeded to pursue a PhD in Environmental Science and Technology, Earth Science, at the same Graduate School. My research focuses on understanding the origin and formation processes of gold mineralization in rocks from Nigeria and Japan. During my master's course, I benefited greatly from the JICA Support Desk (JSD), especially with academic procedures and day-to-day school life. I am privileged to be a member of this team now, and I'm ready to contribute to this group by assisting the JICA scholars. The JSD has been of great assistance to JICA scholars since its inception, and I encourage JICA scholars to make use of this office.
I want to assure all prospective and current JICA scholars that the office is always at their beck and call and ready to help with any issues they might have.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

Name: AHMADU Abdulrahman, PhD Student
JICA Program:ABE Initiative Batch 9
JSD Term: 2026-current <\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/section>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

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JSD ALUMNI<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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My time with the JICA Support Desk at GSST was one of the most rewarding chapters of my journey at Niigata University. Serving as a bridge for international students wasn't just about offering guidance, it was about building a global community right here on campus. Every challenge solved and every connection made added immense value to my own academic and personal growth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

To all incoming students: GSST is a launchpad of immense possibilities. Dive into your research, but also embrace the community around you. Don't hesitate to lean on the support networks available, and remember that every step you take here is preparing you to make a global impact. Welcome to the family!! make every moment count!!!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Name:<\/strong> AJAYI Ayomikun David, Ph.D.
JICA Program: ABE Initiative 2021
JSD Term: 2023-2026<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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My experience with the JICA Support Desk at GSST was among the most fulfilling parts of my journey at Niigata University. Acting as a point of connection for international students went far beyond providing assistance: it involved fostering a supportive and diverse community on campus. Each challenge and every relationship built contributed significantly to both my academic development and personal growth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

To all new students: GSST offers countless opportunities for learning, discovery, and growth. Dedicate yourself to your research, but also take time to engage with the people and experiences around you. Make use of the support systems available, stay open to new connections, and recognize that every experience here helps prepare you to contribute meaningfully on a global scale. Welcome to the GSST family, embrace the journey and make every moment count!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Name:<\/strong> SHAWAPALA Isak Lineekela, Ph. D.
JICA Program: ABE Initiative 2021
JSD Term: 2023-2026<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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My name is Clever Nkhokwe Kanga, I come from Malawi, a country located in the South eastern part of Africa. I am an ex-participant from the 1st Batch of Agriculture Network Studies for Food Security (Agri-Net) program of 2020. I graduated with my master's degree in Agriculture from the Graduate School of Science and Technology (GSST), Niigata University (NU) in September 2022. As soon obtained as I this master's degree, I continued to pursue a Ph.D. from the same graduate school. Currently, I am a first-year Ph.D. student, and my research initiatives are to develop of Biostimulant from volatile compounds emitted from Shitake fungi-beds for improving rice production under climate change conditions.
During my master course period I was tremendously assisted in various ways through the JICA support desk from ex-JICA scholars working there. And it is with great privilege that during my Doctors course period I have joined the great team working at the GSST JSD and this gives me a great opportunity to give back by supporting others coming after me as I have been assisted.
I would like to encourage all prospective and current JICA scholars to take full ownership and utilization of this great office facility that has been set up just for you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/strong>Name: KANGA Clever Nkhokwe, Ph. D.
JICA Program: Agri-Net 2020
JSD Term: 2022-2025<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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I am an ex-participant of the 4th Batch JICA ABE Initiative program. In 2020 I obtained my master's degree from the Graduate School of Science and Technology (GSST), Niigata University (NU). As soon as I obtained this master's degree, I continued to pursue a Ph.D. from the same graduate school. Currently, I am a third-year Ph.D. student, and my research area is hydrology and water resources.
I was privileged to be one of the pioneers in setting up the GSST JICA Support Desk (JSD) to support fellow JICA scholars and promote the internationalization of NU. This GSST JSD has given me an excellent opportunity to demonstrate my leadership skills to over 30 JICA scholars from over 15 countries in Africa and Asia. I would like to take this chance to express my gratitude to the GSST JSD and friends for their teamwork.
My message to all current and prospective JICA scholars is to encourage them to fully utilize the JSD whenever they want to seek guidance or have issues, concerns, or questions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/strong>Name: CHAPASA Stanley Nungu, Ph. D.
JICA Program: ABE Initiative Batch 4
JSD Term: 2019-2023<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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As an ex-JICA participant, I my master's degree from the Graduate School of Science and Technology (GSST) in Niigata University. Subsequently, I proceeded to pursue a doctorate from the same graduate school. Currently, I am a postdoctoral researcher obtained and my research area is in the field of soil microbiology.
The JICA Support Desk office (JSD) was introduced in the GSST to help cope with the challenges of adapting to the new environment such as the climate, phone and line contracts, apartment contracts, medical emergencies, academic activities among several others. The office is accessible to all JICA participants who may have any problems or inquiries.
As a message, all current and prospective JICA program participants are encouraged to consult with the JSD regarding any issues, concerns or inquiries you may have. We are here for you!!!<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

<\/strong>Name: SAMUEL Oloruntoba Solomon, Ph.D.
JICA Program: ABE Initiative Batch 3
JSD Term: 2019-2022<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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