SINU unveils 2026–2030 plan to boost governance, expand campuses, and become a Pacific centre of excellence
The Vice-Chancellor of the Solomon Islands National University (SINU), Professor Transform Aqorau, has unveiled a sweeping five-year strategic plan designed to transform the institution into a “centre of excellence in the Pacific.”
Speaking at the Panatina Campus during his New Academic Year Address, Professor Aqorau outlined the 2026–2030 Strategic Plan, which he intends to be his defining legacy as he enters his final term. The roadmap focuses on institutional reform, infrastructure expansion, and a commitment to making the university an “oasis of integrity and inclusion” by the end of the decade.
Developed collaboratively by university staff with advisory support from the Australian Government, the plan is expected to receive formal approval from the University Council shortly.
Integrity and reform
At the heart of the new strategy is a drive to strengthen governance. Professor Aqorau emphasized that building robust accountability systems and maintaining transparency are non-negotiable priorities for the university’s growth.
“The goal is for SINU to become an oasis of integrity and inclusion by 2030,” he told Tavuli News, adding that to truly invest in the future, the government must continue to maintain its support for education at all levels.
Academic and physical growth
The plan sets ambitious targets for academic standards, including securing full institutional accreditation and aligning specific programs with international benchmarks. To boost graduate employment, SINU intends to increase research output and foster new partnerships with overseas institutions.
Physical expansion also features heavily in the five-year vision. Key projects include the development of a fourth campus in Malaita Province to improve regional access, alongside significant upgrades to existing classrooms, libraries, and digital connectivity. The university also plans to explore new revenue streams to ensure long-term financial sustainability through entrepreneurship and innovation.
A regional vision
Professor Aqorau described the plan as both practical and forward-looking, serving as a blueprint to guide the university toward measurable achievements over the next decade.
“We can only become a good university—a really established university in partnership with others—if we have good governance structures in place and a reputation that works for our graduates,” he said.
By prioritizing research and innovation, the administration aims to move SINU beyond its role as a domestic educator to becoming a regional leader in human resource development and academic excellence.
By Steven Kamoa
