Associate Professor Eric Katovai, Pro Vice-Chancellor (Academic), delivering the keynote address at the Forum this morning at the FEH Lecture Theatre, SINU Panatina Campusย
Press Release
22 September 2025ย
The Solomon Islands National University (SINU) today opened its Tertiary Education Forum 2025 at the Faculty of Education and Humanities Lecture Theatre, Panatina Campus, bringing together educators, development partners, policymakers, and students under the theme:
โAdvancing Excellence in Tertiary Education: Strengthening Curriculum, Assessment, and Collaboration for Inclusive and Quality Learning.โ
In her welcome remarks, Dr. Patricia Rodie, Dean of the Faculty of Education and Humanities, warmly greeted participants and acknowledged the Traditional Owners of the land. She reminded the forum that tertiary education is not only about producing graduates, but about โshaping futures, building resilient communities, and contributing meaningfully to national and regional development.โ
Dr. Rodie emphasized that the forum comes at a pivotal time as tertiary systems across the Pacific grapple with globalisation, shifting labour markets, the digital revolution, and climate change. She called for renewed focus on curriculum relevance, transformative assessment practices, and stronger collaboration across sectors.
Delivering the keynote address, Associate Professor Eric Katovai, Pro Vice-Chancellor (Academic), highlighted the importance of developing qualified tertiary educators. He underscored that while academic knowledge is critical, teaching is a specialized skill that requires dedicated training and practice.
Professor Katovai outlined six key areas for advancing excellence at SINU:
- Curriculum Innovation that integrates climate resilience, employability, digital literacy, and Indigenous Knowledge.
- Transforming Assessment to encourage deep learning and critical thinking.
- Strengthening Collaborations with government, industry, and regional institutions, such as the SINUโUTS partnership supported by DFAT.
- Inclusive Education through flexible pathways and expanded digital access.
- Digital Transformation to make blended learning a permanent, high-quality reality.
- Quality Assurance through systematic program reviews, revisions, and accreditation by 2028.
โThis moment belongs to our pioneering Cohort 1 of the SINUโUTS Education Program,โ Prof. Katovai said. โYou are the pioneers of a new era of tertiary education in Solomon Islands. Excellence is not something we talk aboutโit is something we live, lead, and deliver.โ
The forum program features keynote addresses, panel discussions, and interactive sessions designed to spark dialogue and practical solutions. Highlights include:
- Opening Ceremony with welcome remarks and keynote address.
- Plenary Sessions on curriculum reform, assessment practices, and inclusive education.
- Panel Discussions with local and international partners on collaboration models.
- Breakout Workshops for participants to reflect, exchange ideas, and draft action points.
- Closing Reflections and way forward for SINU and partners.
The SINU Tertiary Education Forum 2025 marks the beginning of a new phase in the Universityโs commitment to quality, inclusive, and transformative learning. The outcomes of todayโs discussions will feed into ongoing curriculum reforms and institutional strengthening, ensuring that SINU continues to serve as a beacon of educational excellence in the Pacific.
ENDS//