Solomon Islands National University’s (SINU) Faculty of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forest (FAFF) on Wednesday officially opens its new Science Research and Conference Complex at the Kukum Campus.
Attending the official opening was the Minister for Education and Human Resources Development Lanelle Tanangada, Pro-Chancellor and Chair of Council, Pro-Vice Chancellor Cooperate, Members of SINU Council, members of SINU senior management and few government officials.
Speaking at the event Education Minister Tanangada congratulated the staff of the Faculty of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry for their magnificent complex.
She stated her presence at the event symbolizes the growing partnership established between SINU and the Democratic Coalition Government for Advancement through her ministry.
“However, you may have noted that since its establishment in 2013 the SINU-SIG partnership have gone through difficult times. For, example, budget cuts or decreased government funding and the need to prepare students for new workplace expectations has often led critics to question the commitment of or obligation of government toward the University.
“Despite the challenges posed by the coronavirus pandemic, the time may be ripe to extend the working relationship of our national university with both the public and private sectors and or industries.
“For example, the private sector is more interested in setting up long-term business strategies (yes, strategies) with our national university that lead to more systemic return on investment, rather than sporadic, one-time gifts or sponsorship.
“Not only that but higher performance expectations are being placed on recent graduates, which leads to questions about what the content of academic programs and pedagogical practices should be,” Minister Tanangada said.
She added more needs to be done to account for shifting economic demands and increased interest in return on investment from both companies and graduates.
She explained together, these shifts in university-industry relationships require a change in how university corporate relations offices operate.
“So it is timely that we are investing in the science research center to boost our knowledge base and understanding of thrilling discoveries on those areas we wish to research.
“For example, research into sustainable agriculture can cover a broad spectrum of issues related to advances in farming technology, such as sustainable soil fertility, sustainable water, sustainable energy, and biotechnology.
“Our scientists at SINU need to find about these things in order to offer advice to our farmers on the best practices to improve production,” Ms Tanangada said.
Minister said she believes that further industrial growth in the country will increase the demand for the middle and top level man-power, to man the industries arising from this growth.
“Science laboratory technologists play a very important role in meeting the needs of these industries.
“However, you may have noticed that the production of this caliber of manpower has not risen with Solomon Islands industrial capacity needs.
“Nor have research activities intensified in those sectors that have the potential to increase production. Therefore, there has been luck of evidence to inform policy and to drive change for an improved economy growth in the country.
“We also need to recognize our weaknesses. For example, there is lack of manpower as well as research capacities and laboratory equipment to develop our won indigenous technology, in order to translate the country’s dreams of scientific and technological transformation into reality.
“So with access to the new indigenous technology and knowledge, as well new ways of thinking and to use the scientific method with evidence as new way to enhance our capabilities and contributed toward increased yield of our agriculture, fisheries and forest products,” Ms Tanangada said.
She stated she has high expectations over the years to come to the FAFF laboratory given the access to a science research center or laboratory, equipped with modern instrument capabilities.
“I have high expectations for those of you who are going to work in the laboratory, to step up and create the supports and accountabilities that will enable your successes.
“I also expect more relevant and usable research that is presented in clear and concise reporting. I expect a continued emphasis on and commitment to quality and rigor. I expect you to focus on a manageable number of key research topics, make some real progress on them and really build knowledge about them,” Ms Tanangada said.
However, she believes fostering and both lecturers and students’ success especially in the area of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry-success that is focused not just on academic excellence, but also on cultivating attributes that build a more enlightened and dynamic society.
Pro-Chancellor and Chair of Council Dr Culwick Togamana congratulated the management, faculty staff and students for the wonderful achievement.
Dr Togamana emphasis the importance and the need for SINU to have state of art facilities to support teaching, learning, laboratory and conferencing needs of the faculty and the university.
“One of the goals in the Strategic Pan 2021 to 2025 that SINU to have key infrastructure facilities to support SINU achieve its mandate as required in the Act,” Dr Togamana said.
Dr Togamana then acknowledged the national government through its development budget support towards funding the complex.
Meanwhile, Acting Vice Chancellor Dr Jack Maebuta stated the laboratory and conferencing complex was initiated as one of new infrastructure project developments at the university.
He said that it was implemented under SINU Strategic Plan 2016-2020.
“The main objectives of the project are to enhance additional quality teaching and research as well as office spaces at Kukum Campus,” Dr Maebuta said.
By ESTHER NURIA
Newsroom, Honiara
