THE establishment of the fourth Solomon Islands National University (SINU) Campus in Malaita Province holds profound economic and social significance to the province itself and the nation at large.
That’s according to the SINU Vice Chancellor Professor Dr Transform Aqorau when delivering his remarks at the roundtable dialogue between Solomon Islands Government (SIG) and development partners in Honiara on Wednesday.
Dr Aqorau said Malaita, as one of the most populated provinces in the country, is home to a large youth demography, many of whom face barriers to accessing higher educational and vocational training opportunities.
He said historically, the province has been underserved in terms of infrastructure and development opportunities, despite its rich cultural heritage and agricultural potential.
“The economic benefits of establishing this new campus are considerable. We can foster local talent and create a pipeline of skilled workers to contribute to the development of Malaita’s economy,” Dr Aqorau said.
“Socially, the Malaita campus will be a catalyst for community upliftment and social cohesion. By decentralizing tertiary education, we can bring higher learning to the doorstep of rural communities, making education more inclusive and equitable.
“This will also help to reduce social disparities between Malaita and other provinces,” he added.
Dr Aqorau said the Malaita SINU campus will focus on areas like agriculture, fisheries, sustainable development and entrepreneurship.
“These are directly aimed at empowering youths to become productive contributors to their communities, reduce urban migration and stimulate economic activities within the province.
“Given Malaita’s strategic importance to the broader Solomon Islands development landscape, I strongly encourage our partners to support the establishment of this campus.
“It presents a unique opportunity to make a lasting impact by investing in the future of Malaita’s youth and their potential to drive sustainable development in Solomon Islands,” he emphasized.
Dr Aqorau added that by supporting this initiative, donors will directly contribute to both educational advancement and regional development and thereby help build a more inclusive and prosperous future for Solomon Islands.
He said the campus is not merely a physical infrastructure project but a platform for nurturing leadership, innovation and social transformation in one of the country’s most populous provinces.
Cabinet endorsed the establishment of the 4th SINU Campus in Malaita Province.
This was announced by Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele in Auki at the 41st Second Appointed Day Anniversary of Malaita Province on August 15.
The three existing SINU campuses are the Kukum Campus and Panatina Campus in Honiara and Poitete Campus in the Western Province.
By ULUTAH GINA
Solomon Star, Gizo
