Press Release
23 March 2026
The Solomon Islands National University (SINU) Centre for Distance and Flexible Learning (CDFL) marked a significant milestone on Thursday, 19 March, by awarding Certificates of Attainment to 100 students who successfully completed their pathway studies.
The ceremony, held at the Pavilion on the Panatina Campus, was conducted under the theme: โLearn Anywhere, Grow Everywhere, Empower the Solomon Islands.โ
Since its establishment in 2018, CDFL has offered pathway units designed to support students in bridging into higher education. While many students have since progressed to further qualifications, recognition was previously limited to Letters of Confirmation. The introduction of the Certificate of Attainment now provides formal acknowledgment and credible evidence of studentsโ academic achievement. These certificates validate the level of study completed and serve as important documentation for employment, further education, and other opportunities.
This initiative enhances the value of the CDFL pathway and reinforces its critical role in preparing students for higher learning.
Speaking as the guest of honour, Pro Vice-Chancellor Academic (PVCA), Associate Professor Eric Katovai, thanked CDFL Manager Obed Zutu and staff for guiding students through the second-chance pathway, and congratulated the awardees on their achievement.
In his keynote address, Associate Professor Katovai highlighted that CDFLโs work reflects SINUโs broader mission to widen access to education and ensure it remains inclusive and transformative.
โI remind the certificate awardees that SINU takes a deliberate and strategic approach to providing alternative education pathways. These pathways exist to ensure that anyone, regardless of prior setbacks, can pursue and achieve their educational aspirations. Second-chance education is not remedial; it is an intentional response to structural limitations within our national education system.โ
He emphasized that the Solomon Islandsโ education system currently does not accommodate all students progressing to Form Six, and therefore the label โhigh school dropoutโ often reflects systemic inadequacies rather than an individualโs potential, intelligence, or capability.
โBeing a product of second-chance education does not make anyone a second-class scholar or citizen. Your pathway may have been different, but it is no less legitimate or valuable,โ he said.
To illustrate this, Associate Professor Katovai shared the story of a student who entered university through a second-chance pathway, completed a Bachelor of Science degree, followed by an Honours degree, a Master of Philosophy, and is now a PhD candidate under his supervision at the University of the South Pacific.
โHis journey demonstrates that determination, discipline, and belief in oneself can overcome early educational barriers. I encourage the awardees to draw confidence from such examples and to remain steadfast in their ambitions,โ he said.
โI congratulate the students for successfully completing the pathway programme and progressing into SINUโs formal academic programmes. Their transition represents not only personal achievement but also the fulfilment of the Universityโs mandate to expand opportunity.โ
He concluded by reminding students of the importance of faith, perseverance, and hard work:
โWith God, all things are possible. While challenges will arise along your academic journey, faith and determination will carry you through.โ
The event was guided by CDFLโs vision,
โTo be the leading provider of Distance and Flexible Learning in the Solomon Islands, delivering transformational education through online and in-person experiences that inspire.โ
Most of the students who received their Certificates of Attainment are now enrolled in SINU diploma and degree programmes, studying fields such as science, social science, and business.
ENDS//