The Solomon Islands National University (SINU) in partner with the University of Technology Sydney (UTS) held an Academic Symposium 2026 Cohort 2 under the theme ‘’Transforming Higher Education Teaching and Learning for Student Success’’.
The symposium brings together academic staffs, researchers, education professional and partners to share the knowledge experiences and perspectives on strengthening higher education in the pacific. It will also provide a valuable platform for dialogue collaboration and exchange of innovative ideas that respond to the diverse context cultures and learning needs of pacific students.
Delivering the key note address Vice Chancellor of Solomon Islands National University (SINU) Dr Transform Aqorau says transforming higher education at Solomon Islands national university (SINU) is fundamentally about nation building. If Solomon Islands wants a respectful, knowledgeable, ethical and united society, the university must intentionally design its courses, teaching, assessment and support around those goals, not just around exams and jobs.
‘’A knowledgeable and productive society needs graduates who can examine evidence, solve problems and apply professional knowledge with digital capabilities and practical judgement,’’ he said.
Dr Aqorau also mentioned that improving how SINU prepares teachers has a ‘’multiply effect’’ each well prepared teachers can influence hundreds or thousands of learners over their career. He calls for stronger links between SINU, schools and the Ministry so that curriculum, teacher preparation, classroom practice and assessment are aligned across the whole system.
Dr Aqorau highlights that Solomon Islands also needs properly resourced national capacity for curriculum oversight, for teaching standards, for teacher accreditation, assessment and professional support.
‘’We should build a model suited to our context, but we must build the structures that turn policy into practice. I believe that we have an opportunity to build in the future of SINU to carry these ideas into the SINU’s strategic, academic and corporate plans for 2026-2030,’’ he said.
The academic symposium under the theme has plenary sessions for the cohort 2 with various topics to discuss. The symposium will reflect a shared commitment to strengthen academic practice, teaching and learning, research and student success.
The support of the Australian Government through the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) Australia Awards Solomon Islands (AASI), which has contributed to this important academic initiative.
