BY JOHN HOUANIHAU
This year has not been easy for nations across the globe and for our nation as a member of the global community said Rev Bishop Eric Maefonea.
“For many of you graduating today, it has not been an easy journey in spite of the challenges you have encountered along the way, you are able to make to this day,’’ he said while delivering his keynote address today.
He assured graduates that he believe for many of the graduates that today is not the end of their academic journey.
“But just the beginning of the journey that will lead you on to where the hubs in the world of academy, preparing you for real-life challenges facing our nation in this 21st century and beyond,’’ said Rev Maefonea.
He stressed that since the establishment of SINU nine years ago thousands of students who are been through SINU are now serving our nation either in the govt ministries or in the private sector.
“Not only that it trains and equips our human resources but now a higher formal education provider at home, it is less expensive than to send our men and women abroad,’’ he said.
He adds that as SINU grows and expands its services in providing a higher and quality education it also uses the expense financially undertaken by our govt over the years in sending our students abroad to study.
“We as SI should be proud that we have our own university”. The SINU was established by an act of parliament in 2012 and becomes a University in 2013. Thus by the end of 2021 SINU is nine years old.
“SINU to have its own identity and to build its vision segments it must set aside the cultural values and lows that stands in the way as obstacles to the institution achieving its goals,’’ he said.
He further stated in his remarks that SINU must bring about the necessary change to achieve its vision.
“We have choices in life we choose to keep doing what has almost been done and maintain the status quo or we can go up there, be brave and strive to achieve our vision,’’ said Rev Maefonea.
Meanwhile acting Vice-chancellor Dr. Jack Maebuta, however, said that despite the much negativity painted around SINU he said he believes in positives.
“Despite all the negatives I see many potentials that our national university have. Developing a university is not an overnight business it’s a work in progress,’’ he addresses attendees.
The Acting VC stated that such progress can take years and so allow the process to take its course to deliver its visions.
“To the graduands, you are the very reason why we are here today. As you move on in life you can change our nation and communities at once,’’ said the VC.
“Speaking about change, I want to remind you, graduates, change is inevitable for everyone, you begin to take control of our future.
‘You are about to begin a new journey and so you reflect on the journey you have had thru your university education you must come to the realization that you are on a journey consisting of many phases.
‘And as we gather today it is with the knowledge that you complete a major phase in your life and you are about to embark on a new voyage,’’ said Dr. Maebuta.
Out of a total number of 865 graduates today, 63% of graduates are females and 37% are males. 2% with a post-graduate diploma, 28% in bachelor’s degree, 48% diplomas, and 28% with certificate programs.
Of the 865, three hundred and eighty-seven graduates are from the faculty of education and humanities.
Meanwhile, the Faculty of Science & technology account for 88, Nursing, medicine, and health science with 182, Education and humanities with 280, Business and tourism with 146, Agriculture forestry and fisheries with 62, and DFL 107.
