Solomon Islands National University (SINU) students who graduated on Thursday have been urged to step out into the world of employment with courage and use their qualification to uplift their families and contribute to national development.
Governor General Reverend David Tiva Kapu uttered the words of encouragement during the university’s annual graduation ceremony at the Maranatha Hall, East of Honiara.
Approximately 1200 students graduated with Certificates, Diplomas, Bachelor Degrees in various fields in a graduation ceremony convened at the Maranatha Hall in East Honiara.
The university’s first ever PhD student, Dr Mary Tahu Paia also graduated on Thursday, marking a significant milestone in the history of SINU. Her PhD is in Environmental Science.
In his speech, Governor General Kapu underscored the importance of quality education that the country needs to drive it forward to be a prosperous nation and encouraged the new graduates to be the light when they step out into the world of employment and utilize their qualification for the upliftment of their families and contribute to national development.
He said, in Solomon Islands, the importance of education cannot be overstated. It educates our people with knowledge, skills and critical thinking necessary to navigate the complexity of a rapidly changing world.
“Through education, we welcome active contributors to our economy, fostering innovative entrepreneurship and productivity, which are essential for sustainable growth.”
“Moreover, education plays a pivotal role in the social fabric of our society.”
He further highlighted that the Government, through the Ministry of Education and Human Resource Development, established the university for the purpose of providing higher education in Solomon Islands.”
GG Kapu said education also promotes inclusivity, equity and social cohesion enabling our people to transcend the boundaries of ethnicity, culture and geography.
“As we invest in education, we invest in the future leaders, professionals and citizens to drive the development of our country.
“It is through education that we can address the challenges of poverty, unemployment, inequality and create a more just and progressed society for all, by prioritizing education we lay the groundwork for Solomon Islands but it’s not only economic vibrant but also socially harmonize ensuring that every single citizen has the opportunity to contribute and benefit from the progress of our nation.”
He told the new graduates that as they embark on a new chapter of their lives, they must remember that the path ahead will not always be smooth but nevertheless, they must take heart that the Lord will always be with them to overcome the odds.
“There will be challenges, uncertainties and obstacles that will test you but take heart for you are not alone in this journey the Lord is with you, guiding you, providing you with the strength to overcome every challenges.
“As the apostle Paul wrote and I quote, I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. And I quote Philippians Chapter 4 verses 18. Keep these tools close to your heart as we maintain the complexities of it.”
He told the graduands that in the moment of doubt, they must remember the commitment made to them by their families, their university (SINU) and the nation who invested in them, believing in their potential to make a difference.
“It is now your time to honor that commitment by applying your education to the service of others, to the betterment of our nation and to the greater glory of God,” GG Kapu concluded.
By IAN LADDS OSO
Solomon Star, Honiara
