Press Release
30 April 2026
Solomon Islands National University today celebrated the achievements of 1,005 graduands at its April 2026 Graduation Ceremony, held this morning under the theme โShaping the Future: Knowledge, Technology and Nation Building.โ
ย Speaking at the ceremony, SINU Vice Chancellor Professor Transform Aqorau congratulated the graduating class and reminded them that their education carries both personal and national significance.
ย Professor Aqorau said the theme of the graduation was more than a slogan, describing it as โa statement of purposeโ that reflects the role of a national university in preparing minds, forming character, strengthening communities, and helping Solomon Islands imagine and build a better future.
ย This yearโs graduating cohort reflects the breadth of SINUโs contribution to national development, with graduands coming from nursing, medicine and health sciences; education and humanities; business and technology; agriculture, forestry and fisheries; science and technology; technical and vocational education and training; and distance and flexible learning.
ย Of the 1,005 graduands, 632 are female, representing 63 per cent of the graduating class, while 373 are male, representing 37 per cent. The Vice Chancellor said this strong female representation was an encouraging sign for Solomon Islands and the wider region.
ย โWhen women and men are both given the opportunity to learn, lead, and serve, the whole nation is strengthened,โ Professor Aqorau said.
ย The University also acknowledged 41 international students from Vanuatu who graduated as part of the April 2026 cohort, highlighting SINUโs growing regional role in education and human resource development.
ย Professor Aqorau paid special tribute to the 33 high achievers who graduated at the top of their programmes with a GPA of 4.0 and above. He said their achievements reflected discipline, perseverance, consistency, and a refusal to settle for less than their best.
ย In his address to the graduands, the Vice Chancellor encouraged them to carry forward four important values: responsibility, integrity, leadership, and lifelong learning.
ย He reminded the graduates that their qualifications represent the investment of their families, communities, sponsors, and country, and urged them to use their knowledge and skills with honesty, humility, and good judgement.
ย Professor Aqorau also acknowledged the many people behind each graduateโs success, including parents, guardians, spouses, children, siblings, sponsors, mentors, lecturers, librarians, administrators, technicians, cleaners, drivers, and all who supported the graduands throughout their journey.
ย โIn our islands, the wantok spirit reminds us that no one succeeds aloneโevery achievement is carried by many hands,โ he said.
ย The Vice Chancellor noted that the graduates are entering a world marked by global uncertainty, economic volatility, climate risks, unemployment, service delivery challenges, and rapid technological change. However, he said this is precisely why education matters.
ย โIn times such as these, nations need wise nurses, ethical business leaders, dedicated teachers, resilient farmers and fishers, capable technicians, creative entrepreneurs, thoughtful public servants, and citizens whose minds are steady and whose hearts remain open,โ Professor Aqorau said.
ย He urged the graduates not only to inherit the future, but to shape it through service, innovation, professionalism, and commitment to their communities and country.
ย Professor Aqorau also expressed appreciation to the Solomon Islands Government, the SINU Council and leadership, academic and professional staff, the graduation committee, sponsors, development partners, community and church leaders, families, friends, and partners in industry and the private sector for their continued support to the University.
ย โTo the graduating class of April 2026: congratulations. You have earned this day. Wear your achievement with gratitude, but also with purpose. Let your knowledge serve people. Let your skills build communities. Let your character strengthen institutions. Let your leadership bring hope,โ Professor Aqorau said.
ย The ceremony concluded with the Vice Chancellor offering a blessing from Numbers 6:24โ26 and wishing Godโs blessing upon Solomon Islands and Solomon Islands National University.
ย Congratulations to the SINU April 2026 graduating class.
Vice Chancellor Graduation Speech for SINU April 2026
ENDS//