PRESS RELEASE
16 OCTOBER 2026
The Solomon Islands National University (SINU) and the North Vella La Vella Constituency (NVC) have formalised a partnership aimed at expanding access to higher and continuing education for people living in the constituency.
A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed today at the Kukum Lecture Theatre Conference Room by SINU Vice-Chancellor Prof. Transform Aqorau and Member of Parliament for North Vella La Vella Constituency Hon. Clezy Rore, MP.
The partnership will support the delivery of SINU’s Distance and Flexible Learning (DFL) programmes within North Vella La Vella, allowing students and community members to access higher education without necessarily having to leave their communities.
Speaking at the signing, Prof. Aqorau said SINU was committed to bringing education closer to Solomon Islanders, particularly those living in rural and remote communities.
“SINU is committed to bringing education closer to our people, particularly those living in rural and remote communities. We want to take education beyond the traditional classroom and bring it into the village, so that people can continue their studies towards a degree while remaining in their communities,” Prof. Aqorau said.
He said advances in technology, particularly the widespread use of smartphones, were creating new opportunities for SINU to deliver education beyond traditional campuses.
“Technology gives us an incredible opportunity to make this possible. Today, almost everyone has access to a smartphone, and the possibilities this creates for delivering education are enormous. However, we recognise that accessibility and affordability remain two of the biggest challenges facing families who want to pursue higher education,” he said.
Prof. Aqorau acknowledged that SINU could not achieve this goal alone and highlighted the importance of partnerships with Members of Parliament, churches, communities and other stakeholders. “Through these partnerships, I believe we can make a real difference and create more opportunities for our people,” he said.
Under the MoU, the North Vella La Vella Constituency will provide suitable facilities, including classrooms or community spaces, to support virtual learning, tutorials and student support. The constituency will also assist with awareness activities and logistical support for SINU’s contact visits.
SINU, through its Centre for Distance and Flexible Learning (CDFL), will provide a Study Centre Coordinator, internet facilities, computers, learning materials, academic and technical support, and trained tutors to support the delivery of DFL programmes.
The partnership will provide educational opportunities for school leavers and community members, promote lifelong learning and capacity-building, and give priority to students from schools within the North Vella La Vella Constituency.
Prof. Aqorau said the initiative was about ensuring that where a person lives does not prevent them from pursuing higher education.
“This initiative is about enabling people to remain in their villages while continuing their education. It is about ensuring that where a person lives does not determine whether they have access to quality higher education,” he said.
He also called for continued support and investment in initiatives that expand educational opportunities for rural communities.
“We aspire to provide quality education to our rural communities, and I encourage everyone to support this initiative and help us build on it. We must continue investing in the necessary resources, technology and support systems, while making sure our young people know that opportunities such as these exist,” Prof. Aqorau said.
“Education should not be limited by geography. Through Distance and Flexible Learning, our people can access education, develop their skills and pursue their aspirations while remaining in their communities,” he added.
The partnership represents another step in SINU’s efforts to expand the reach of higher education through Distance and Flexible Learning, while leveraging technology and strategic partnerships to make education more accessible and affordable for communities across Solomon Islands.
ENDS//