PM says SINU has potential to become regional powerhouse institution

THE Solomon Islands National University (SINU) has immense potential to be a national and regional powerhouse in Higher Education in the future.

Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare highlighted at the opening of the Faculty of Education and Human Complex at the Solomon Islands National University (SINU), Panatina Campus today.

The Prime Minister said a University is expected to provide leadership in the nation and region.

He said this leadership should be in all respects including education, training, advisory functions, and demonstration effect through innovation and efficiency in its service delivery.

“Leadership, therefore, demands that SINU draw from the best available and affordable minds and experiences,” the Prime Minister said.

Prime Minister Sogavare said SINU is the SIGs own University.

As a new university, he said full support for the institution is necessary to ensure good incubation and a strong foundation.

The Prime Minister said SINU is the pride of Solomon Islands.

Hence, he said SINU needs significant injection of funds to attain the real status of a University.

“SINU can produce same or even better level and quality of qualifications than any other Pacific institution (USP or FNU), but to achieve this, commensurate funding is absolutely vital,” he said.

The Prime Minister during the occasion also announced that the Government has agreed to restore $100 million in capital funding and to increase the operational grant to $60 million to SINU in the 2022 Budget onwards.

Prime Minister Sogavare also congratulated SINU for the official launch of its Strategic Plan 2021-2025 early last month.

The Prime Minister said the true test of the quality of our University is its ability to learn from the past and move forward in a positive and confident manner.

“The Strategic Plan 2021-2025 is indeed our road map for the journey that lies ahead of us, as we move SINU towards achieving its goals and objectives and bring an improvement in the social and economic livelihoods of all Solomon Islanders,” he said.

Prime Minister Sogavare said in order to implement the SINU Strategic Plan and achieve its objectives; we will need commitment and true strategic partnerships between all stakeholders.

ENDS