SPECIAL MEDIA RELEASE
2 November 2026
SINU honours Sir Dr Nathan Kumamusa Kere’s six years as Chancellor and a lifelong commitment to education
Solomon Islands National University pays tribute to Sir Dr Nathan Kumamusa Kere, who concluded his six-year term as Chancellor on 31 October 2026, recognising his leadership, humility and enduring contribution to the development of the nation’s university.
Vice Chancellor Professor Transform Aqorau expressed the University’s deep appreciation for Sir Nathan’s service, saying his association with SINU reached back well before his appointment as Chancellor in 2020.
“Sir Nathan occupies a special place in the story of our University. His contribution connects the early aspiration to establish a national university with the continuing work of building an institution that serves the people of Solomon Islands,” Professor Aqorau said.
“We thank him for six years as Chancellor, but our gratitude extends much further—to his longstanding belief in education, his service to our country and his willingness to help turn a national aspiration into an institution for future generations.”
A connection stretching back to the foundations of SINU
In his farewell message to the University’s leadership, Sir Nathan recalled chairing the Solomon Islands College of Higher Education Council when it passed a resolution in 1996 to pursue the institution’s transition to university status.
He explained that the national ethnic crisis delayed implementation, and recalled subsequently providing assistance, at the Government’s request, during the process that led to the SINU Act 2012.
Professor Aqorau said this history gave particular meaning to Sir Nathan’s return as Chancellor.
“For Sir Nathan, SINU has always been deeply personal. He helped nurture the idea of a university and later returned to serve the institution that grew from that vision,” he said.
“That continuity matters. Universities develop through the contributions of many people over many years. We should remember those who believed in the possibility early, sustained that belief through difficult periods and remained willing to contribute when called upon.”
Sir Nathan’s farewell message reflected his strong commitment to educating young Solomon Islanders and his satisfaction in the University’s development during his tenure.
Professor Aqorau said the University received that encouragement with gratitude and a continuing sense of responsibility.
“His confidence in SINU is something we value greatly. It also reminds us of our obligation to keep improving the institution entrusted to us, so that the opportunities available to our young people continue to grow.”
Sir Nathan’s term began amid immediate challenges. In his farewell reflections, he recalled receiving notices of intended industrial action from three staff associations on his first day in office in 2020.
Drawing on his previous experience working with unions, he listened to advice and supported efforts to address the concerns.
Professor Aqorau said Sir Nathan’s recollection illustrated the patience and experience he brought to the role.
“He accepted the office at a demanding time and brought a willingness to listen, understand the circumstances and support a way forward. We are grateful for that steadiness,” he said.
Sir Nathan also recalled his informal coffee sessions at Lokol Fusion, where his presence surprised some staff and students and helped him become more familiar with the University community.
“Those coffee sessions capture something important about Sir Nathan,” Professor Aqorau said.
“He understood that an institution is made up of people, and that understanding it requires conversation. He was willing to sit with people, hear their experiences and learn about the challenges they faced.
“He carried the dignity of his office with humility. His accessibility helped people feel comfortable engaging with their Chancellor.”
The University also acknowledged Sir Nathan’s participation in workshops, tok stori and other activities, where he contributed experience gained through public service, science, research and academic work.
Encouragement through a period of institutional development
In his farewell message, Sir Nathan expressed pride in the changes he had witnessed across the University’s leadership, staffing, governance, administration, academic programmes and facilities.
Professor Aqorau thanked him for recognising the collective work behind those developments.
“Progress at SINU depends on the efforts of our Council, academic and professional staff, students, government and partners. Sir Nathan’s encouragement has been valuable to that shared effort,” he said.
“We appreciate his generous assessment while recognising that there remains much to do. Our responsibility is to build on the progress made, address weaknesses and continue strengthening the quality of education and services we provide.”
Professor Aqorau said Sir Nathan’s tenure was a reminder that a national university must remain closely connected to the needs of its country.
“His commitment to young people has been a consistent theme. It speaks directly to our purpose: helping Solomon Islanders gain the knowledge, skills and confidence to contribute to their communities and shape the country’s future.”
The University also expressed appreciation for the opportunity to support the publication and launch of Sir Nathan’s autobiography.
In his farewell message, Sir Nathan described that support as a SINU legacy that would remain with his family for generations.
Professor Aqorau said preserving such accounts was an important contribution to national knowledge.
“Sir Nathan’s experiences form part of the history of Solomon Islands. His autobiography offers future generations an opportunity to learn from a life of service and to understand the circumstances, choices and commitments that shaped it,” he said.
“We are honoured that SINU could support that work and help preserve a lasting connection between Sir Nathan, his family and the University.”
While his formal term has ended, Sir Nathan has offered to remain available to contribute in areas of his technical expertise and experience.
Professor Aqorau warmly welcomed that offer and identified “malaria, the development of a medical school, and Tomoko”as three areas in which the University looked forward to continuing discussions with him.
“We would greatly value Sir Nathan’s continued engagement in our discussions on malaria. His scientific and public health experience can help us consider how the University might contribute through research, education and partnerships that respond to community needs,” he said.
“His guidance will also be valuable as we continue discussions about a medical school. This requires careful consideration of educational quality, clinical training, staffing, facilities, partnerships and long-term sustainability, alongside the needs of our health system.
“We also look forward to continuing our discussions on Tomoko and drawing on his knowledge as we consider how that initiative might be taken forward.”
Professor Aqorau emphasised that future engagement would respect Sir Nathan’s retirement and the time he wished to offer.
“His willingness to remain connected is deeply appreciated. We hope there will be meaningful opportunities to continue learning from him while he enjoys this next chapter of his life.”
Professor Aqorau also offered his personal thanks, reflecting on an association with Sir Nathan beyond their University responsibilities through the “KGVI Old Students Sports Club”.
“My appreciation is also personal. Through our involvement in the KGVI Old Students Sports Club, I have valued the opportunity to share with Sir Nathan a sense of fellowship, service and connection to our old students’ community,” he said.
“That association has made working with him at SINU especially meaningful. I thank him for his counsel, encouragement and friendship, and for the generosity with which he has shared his experience.
“It has been an honour to serve as Vice Chancellor during his time as Chancellor.”
With gratitude to Sir Nathan and his family
SINU extended its appreciation to Sir Nathan’s family for the support that enabled his service to the University.
“On behalf of the University community, we wish Sir Nathan good health, peace and happiness in retirement, with time to enjoy his family and the pursuits that matter most to him,” Professor Aqorau said.
“He steps down with our deep respect, affection and gratitude. His contribution will remain part of SINU’s story, and he will always be warmly welcomed within our University community.
“Thank you, Sir Nathan, for believing in SINU, for serving it with humility and commitment, and for helping to sustain the promise of university education for our people. May God bless you and your family.”
ENDS//