BY JOY OFASIA
A total of 742 students graduated from the Solomon Islands National University (SINU) yesterday, marking the university’s second graduation ceremony for 2026.
The graduation ceremony was held at Friendship Hall, Panatina Campus, in East Honiara, under the theme “Shaping the Future: Knowledge, Technology and Nation Building.”
The graduating class comprised students from various faculties and learning programmes, including Education and Humanities, Business and Tourism Studies, Nursing, Medicine and Health Studies, Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, Science, Engineering and Technology, as well as Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) and Distance and Flexible Learning.
Of the 742 graduates, 471 were women and 271 were men, with women making up about 63 percent of the graduating class.
Speaking to the graduating class, SINU Vice-Chancellor Professor Transform Aqorau acknowledged the hard work, perseverance and determination of the students throughout their studies.
He also highlighted the importance of greater gender participation across different fields of study, particularly in science, technology and trades.
Professor Aqorau encouraged the graduates to use the knowledge and skills they had gained to contribute to their families, communities and the development of Solomon Islands.
The guest of honour, Managing Director of Australian Direct Suppliers Eric Walekwate, also encouraged the graduates to remain resilient as they begin the next stage of their lives and careers.
Reflecting on his own journey, Walekwate spoke about overcoming failures and challenges before building his businesses.
He encouraged the graduates to embrace challenges, take opportunities and remain committed to their goals as they enter the workforce.
The October graduation brings SINU’s total number of graduates for 2026 to 1,749, following the university’s first graduation in April.
The ceremony brought together graduands, families, friends, university officials, government representatives and other stakeholders to celebrate the students’ academic achievements and their transition into the next stage of their professional and personal journeys.
