Press Release
23 August 2026
The Solomon Islands National University (SINU) successfully hosted its Open Day 2026 on Friday, 21 August 2026, at the Kukum Campus under the theme “Creating Your Future: Education, Skills and Innovation for a GREAT Solomon Islands.”
The Open Day provides an opportunity for prospective students and the community to explore SINU’s academic programmes, technical and vocational education and training, research and innovation, student support services and partnerships.
In welcoming participants, the Acting Vice-Chancellor and Pro Vice Chancellor Corporate (PVCC) Dr William Parairato said the Open Day was more than an exhibition of university programmes, describing it as an opportunity for young Solomon Islanders to discover education, career and future pathways.
“Today is about possibility,” the Acting Vice-Chancellor said.
He said the theme reflects SINU’s responsibility as the national university and aligns with the SINU Strategic Plan 2026–2030, while supporting national aspirations for reform, empowerment, accountability and transformation.
The Acting Vice-Chancellor emphasised that education should go beyond obtaining a qualification, saying SINU aims to equip students with knowledge, practical skills, confidence, critical thinking, creativity, integrity and a strong sense of responsibility to their communities and country.
He said Solomon Islands needs graduates who can translate knowledge into action, including teachers, health professionals, engineers, technicians, entrepreneurs, ICT professionals, researchers and specialists in agriculture, fisheries, forestry and natural resources.
He also highlighted the importance of innovation, stating that it can involve finding better ways to address long-standing challenges in areas such as agriculture, climate change, digital education, health and entrepreneurship.
The Acting Vice-Chancellor stressed that strong partnerships between SINU, Government, schools, industry, businesses, development partners and communities are essential to national development.
He said partnerships should create practical opportunities for students through internships, work placements, research, mentorship, scholarships, innovation and employment pathways.
Addressing prospective students, he encouraged them to engage with lecturers and students, ask questions about programmes, careers and scholarships, and explore the opportunities available at SINU.
“You are not simply visitors to SINU today. You are the reason we are here,” he said.
The Acting Vice-Chancellor said the future of Solomon Islands must be created through education, skills, research, innovation, partnerships and responsible leadership.
He concluded by encouraging visitors to explore, engage, ask questions and share ideas, reaffirming SINU’s commitment to building “education, skills, innovation and opportunity for a GREAT Solomon Islands.”
The SINU Open Day 2026 speech emphasises the University’s focus on education, skills, innovation, partnerships and national development.
Meanwhile, Guest of Honour and Supervising Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Education and Human Resource Development (MEHRD), Linda Wate, representing the National Government, congratulated SINU and reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to supporting the university moving forward.
The SINU Open Day started with a flag raising ceremony speeches, booth and campus tours, and cultural and contemporary performances by SINU students, Vanuatu students and members of the Gilbertese community in Solomon Islands.
The event which was held at the Kukum Campus attracted hundreds of visitors, including students from various secondary schools in Honiara, who attended to learn more about SINU and take part in the activities.
ENDS//