SINU owed $83m of which $34m from MPs’ scholarships

The Solomon Islands National University is being owed $83m with $34m by MPs’ scholarships.

Minister of Education and Human Resources Development Lanelle Tanangada revealed in Parliament today in response to the Leader of Opposition, Matthew Wale, during the committee stage of the 2022 Appropriation Bill that SINU was owed $83m.

The minister said the outstanding is for all sponsors that still arrears with SINU.

When further probed to reveal how much do MPs’ owe the university, she replied $34m.

 She said $60m is the funding that is needed to fully fund SINU but because of the financial challenges, the government faces as a result of COVID-19, they have to share the budget.

The Government through MEHRD has allocated $18.7m in its operating budget for this year and $50m in capital budget.

Replying to a question from East Honiara, Douglas Ete as to a what point will the government allow SINU to run as a commercial business?

In her reply, Tanangada stated that the government is committed towards the national university.

She pointed to the increased funding from the government in the past two years as part of their commitment.

 “That shows a very big improvement in terms of our support to our very own institution and university,” she said.

News@SBMOnline2022