𝐒𝐨𝐥𝐨𝐦𝐨𝐧 𝐈𝐬𝐥𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐬 𝐍𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐔𝐧𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐄𝐧𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐜𝐞𝐬 𝐆𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐧𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐚𝐫𝐝𝐬 𝐅𝐨𝐥𝐥𝐨𝐰𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐒𝐮𝐦𝐦𝐚𝐫𝐲 𝐃𝐢𝐬𝐦𝐢𝐬𝐬𝐚𝐥

𝐏𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐑𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐞

𝟐𝟓 𝐀𝐮𝐠𝐮𝐬𝐭 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟓

The Solomon Islands National University (SINU) today announced the summary dismissal of its Director of Properties, Facilities & Projects following a full investigation and disciplinary process. The dismissal was made on the grounds of gross misconduct, involving serious breaches of University policies relating to procurement and financial management.

The internal investigation found that the Director engaged in unauthorized procurement of items, bypassed established financial controls, and failed to follow required University procedures and guidelines. These actions were determined to be in direct violation of SINU’s Procurement and Finance Policies and undermined the University’s governance framework.

Vice Chancellor Professor Transform Aqorau emphasized that due process was carefully followed throughout the proceedings. The Director was suspended during the investigation, provided with all evidence, given the opportunity to respond, and the response was reviewed by an impartial Staff Disciplinary Committee. After thorough deliberation, the Committee recommended dismissal, which the Vice Chancellor accepted.

“Decisions like this are always painful and emotional,” Professor Aqorau said. “Behind every staff member is a family and a future, and I never take lightly the impact of these actions. However, as difficult as this is, we must uphold the values of good governance, accountability, and fairness. No one is above the rules, and our students, staff, and the public must have confidence that SINU applies its policies without fear or favour.”

Professor Aqorau acknowledged the weight of the decision but stressed that it was necessary to protect the University’s integrity:

 “As Vice Chancellor, I carry the responsibility to safeguard our institution. That means ensuring our rules are followed and that public resources entrusted to us are managed with integrity. This dismissal is not something we celebrate – it is a sombre reminder of the importance of ethical conduct and the duty we all share to do the right thing.”

SINU will be taking steps to strengthen its internal processes to prevent similar breaches in the future, including reinforcing the University’s “No Purchase Order, No Payment” rule and enhancing staff training in procurement and financial compliance.

The University reaffirmed its commitment to the principles of transparency, integrity, and accountability, and called on all staff to reflect on their responsibilities as stewards of public trust.

ENDS//