Dr. Transform Aqorau has been appointed the new Vice-chancellor of the Solomon Islands National University, SINU announced in press statement on Friday.
Dr. Transform Aqorau signed his contract in the presence of the Chair of the Solomon Islands National University (SINU) Council, Dr. Morgan Wairiu.
Dr. Transform Aqorau is Professor of Oceans in the Institute of Oceans, Islands and Sustainable Development (IOISD), and specializes in international fisheries law. He previously served as Legal Adviser in the Solomon Islands Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat, Pacific Islands Forum Fisheries Agency, and was the pioneer Chief Executive Officer of the Parties to the Nauru Agreement.
Dr. Aqorau said, “I am humbled to be co-signing the contract with my very good friend and schoolmate Dr. Morgan Wairiu. The symbolism of the occasion is not lost on me, as almost 40 years ago we travelled together as students freshly out of High School to go to the University of Papua New Guinea to start on a journey that has brought us together today. I sincerely look forward to working with Dr. Wairiu as Chair of the Council building on the strong legacy of friendship and scholarship that we share”.
Dr. Aqorau said, “the academic challenges at the University are going to require a lot of effort, but the opportunities for the University to be a focal point for evidence based research that would support policy analysis around the myriad of sustainable development issues facing the country are huge. This is going to require strengthening the research outreach of the University with other partners as well as ensuring it develops the next generation of critical thought leaders”.
Dr. Aqorau said, “it will be my humble privilege to give back to the country, to work with the Staff of the University and Development partners to develop our future thought leaders, the youths; the young men and woman from all over the country to instil in them the desire to want to do well for themselves, their families and their country to prepare them for global employability to uplift our country”.
Dr. Wairiu said, “he is pleased that Dr. Aqorau accepted the offer to take up the position of Vice-Chancellor. He will be able to use his international experience and broad connections to support the growth of the University. Dr. Aqorau has a good record of scholarly publications and is widely respected in the region for his work in the tuna fisheries. I am confident that he will be able to provide the strategic leadership that the University needs. I look forward to working with my friend who has shared my journey. Above all, Dr. Aqorau is a Solomon Islander, who has written passionately about development issues in the country over the last 30 years only because he wants the best for our peoples. I have known him as a friend and professional colleague for close to 40 years and look forward to continuing our association to build the blocks for the future of the University”.
Dr. Aqorau plans to take up the position in the New Year.
– SINU
