Press Release
14 August 2026
Solomon Islands National University (SINU), Tabaka Technical Institute (TTI) and the United Church Education Authority today signed a five-year Memorandum of Understanding to strengthen technical and vocational education and training, institutional capability and access to skills development in the provinces.
According to SINU Vice Chancellor Professor Transform Aqorau, the MoU establishes a framework through which SINU and TTI can work together on practical priorities that improve the quality and relevance of training.
Professor Aqorau said MOU recognises the importance of rural and community-based technical education in creating employment, entrepreneurship and livelihood opportunities, particularly for young people and communities outside Honiara.
โThis MoU is important because it connects SINUโs national mandate with the skills and aspirations of communities in the provinces. Tabaka already plays a vital role in practical, community-based training, and our partnership is designed to strengthen that roleโimproving quality, supporting trainers, developing relevant programmes and creating credible pathways for learners. SINU also intends to build similar links with other technical training centres across the provinces so that access to high-quality TVET is not determined by geography.โ
What the partnership will support
- Governance, strategic planning, policy development, leadership, risk management and institutional accountability.
- Curriculum and programme development, including competency-based training, assessment, moderation and industry-responsive learning.
- Professional development, technical skills upgrading, mentoring and further-study opportunities for trainers and staff, subject to approval and funding.
- Quality assurance, institutional self-assessment and readiness for external regulatory or accreditation processes.
- Industry partnerships, apprenticeships, workplace learning, community-based training, entrepreneurship and employment pathways.
- Applied research, innovation, knowledge exchange, digital learning, ICT development and access to online educational resources.
The MoU also allows the parties to explore appropriate academic progression pathways for eligible TTI graduates. Any admission, recognition of prior learning, credit transfer or articulation arrangement will require programme-specific mapping, SINU academic approval and a separate written agreement. Likewise, accreditation remains the responsibility of the relevant regulatory authority and is not guaranteed by the MoU.
For SINU, the agreement reflects a wider commitment to work with technical training centres that are already embedded in provincial communities. These institutions understand local labour markets, community priorities and the practical barriers facing learners. By linking that local knowledge with SINUโs expertise in curriculum, quality assurance, institutional planning, research and tertiary education management, partnerships can strengthen delivery while preserving each institutionโs ownership, governance and identity.
SINU will seek to develop comparable links with other technical training centres and rural training providers across the provinces, in collaboration with their education authorities, churches, communities, government agencies and industry partners. Each arrangement will be shaped by local needs, institutional readiness, available resources and the required approvals.
Within 60 days of signing, the parties are expected to develop and approve an Annual Implementation Plan identifying priority activities, responsibilities, outputs, timeframes, resource requirements, funding sources, risks and reporting arrangements. The parties may also establish a Joint Coordination Committee to monitor progress and recommend future projects.
The MoU is a high-level, non-binding framework. It does not itself commit any party to funding, infrastructure, equipment, employment, scholarships, admission, accreditation or academic credit. Substantive activities will proceed only through an approved and appropriately funded implementation plan or a separate written agreement.
Speaking during the signing event TTI Principal Mr Joash Lawrence, welcomed the signing, describing the partnership as a significant opportunity for TTI to strengthen its institutional capacity and improve the quality of training provided to students.
Mr Lawrence said TTI looked forward to working closely with SINU to strengthen its programmes, trainers, governance and quality assurance systems.
He said the partnership would provide an opportunity for TTI to benefit from SINU’s technical expertise while continuing to develop as an institution serving the skills and training needs of communities in Western Province and beyond.
Also speaking at the event Mr Trevour Bele, Education Provider representing UCSI welcomed the signing, describing the MOU as an important step in strengthening the partnership between the Church, TTI and SINU.
Mr Bele said the United Church of Solomon Islands was committed to supporting the continued development of TTI and ensuring that the institution could provide relevant and quality technical and vocational education for students.
He highlighted the importance of strengthening institutional governance, management, staff capacity and quality assurance to ensure that TTI is well positioned to meet the needs of students, communities and industry.
The agreement will remain in effect for five years from execution by the last party and may be reviewed annually.
ENDS//