SOLOMON Islands National University (SINU) has successfully hosted its fourth graduation yesterday at the Maranatha hall.

A total of 1586 students received their certificates for successfully completing their studies at the university.

These students were accredited with Bachelor, Diploma and certificates in various study professions which include; School of Education and Humanity, School of Natural resources and Applied Science, School of Nursing and Allied Health Science, Institution of Maritime Studies, School of Technology and Maritime Studies and School of Business and Management.

Chief guest, the Governor General of Solomon Islands His Excellency Frank Kabui CCMG, CSI, OBE joined the Chancellor of Solomon Islands National University Sir John Baptist Muria, Pro Chancellor and Chairman of Solomon Islands National University Council Honourable Dr Culwick Togamana, Pro Vice Chancellor (Corporate) Mr Donald Malasa, Permanent Secretary of Ministry of Education and Human Resources Development Dr Franco Rodie and other government officials, members of Diplomatic Mission, Senior Managers and members of academic and general staff as well as families to witness the graduation ceremony.

In his speech acting Vice-Chancellor of SINU, Professor Basil Shelton Marasinghe said event marks a remarkable day not only for the graduating students and their families but also for the university.

He said the event demonstrates the achievement of SINU over the past years and also its targets for the future.

“This is the culmination of several years of hard work by graduating students and their parents, academic and non-academic staff.

“It is also a very happy day for the sponsors such as Solomon Islands Government, Members of Parliament, Guadalcanal and other Provincial Governments and private sponsors,” Professor Marasinghe said.

He told those present that the university has come a long way since its establishment in 2013 by an Act of Parliament, from the embryo of Solomon Islands College of Higher Education.

Professor Marasinghe said SINU has added a number of Bachelor’s Degree Programmes totalling to 12 degree programs and Master’s and Doctoral Degree programmes and at the same time maintaining all certificate and diploma programmes inherited from SICHE.

He highlights that SINU has slowly building its resource capacity in effort have highly qualified, experienced and capable academic staffs.

“Currently, 20 percent of our academic staff are pursuing masters and PhDs in universities abroad. There are some planning to commence research leading Master’s and Doctoral degrees here in our university.

“We have also recruited nearly 10 academics with PhDs within the last couple of years.

“In the short to medium term, we have to depend on recruiting persons from outside SINU either from Solomon Islands or even from foreign countries who can drive the academic programs and mentor our junior academics,” Professor Marasinghe said.

Meanwhile, he said SINU has been trying to realise its contribution towards nation building in terms of offering a range of courses required in nation building.

Professor Marasinghe said existing programmes are focused more on “demand driven courses” most basically promoting economic growth.

“I think equally important are the contributions a university can make to culture, political stability, and positive social change.

“To build a strong nation we need to train a whole range of manpower including scientists, writers, entrepreneurs, school teachers, engineers, health workers, educators, social scientists, thinkers and philosophers.

“Almost all disciplines are important and play part in growth and development of a nation,” he said.

In the meantime, Professor Marasinghe said he is confident that SINU will emerge as a strong institution producing capable and strong human resource that can bring about positive economic change and at the same time influence transformation of societies and communities to live a prosperous, healthy and happy life in years to come.