Press Release
Tuesday 28 April 2026
The Solomon Islands National University (SINU) Vice-Chancellor, Professor Transform Aqorau, on Monday 27 April welcomed a delegation from Vanuatu during a courtesy visit to SINU.
The visiting delegation, led by Vanuatuβs Minister of Health, Hon. John Still Tariqetu, comprised nine members. They met with the Vice-Chancellor, Pro Vice-Chancellor Academic (PVCA), Associate Professor Eric Katovai, and the Dean of the Faculty of Nursing, Medicine and Health Sciences, Dr Humpress Harrington.
Discussions during the visit focused on academic collaboration, support for Vanuatu students at SINU, and strengthening regional partnerships in health education.
In welcoming the delegation, the Vice-Chancellor acknowledged and commended the presence and achievements of Vanuatu students at SINU. He also highlighted the Universityβs role in advancing regional cooperation in health education and workforce development, emphasising the importance of continued collaboration between Solomon Islands and Vanuatu in the health sector.
In response, Minister Tariqetu expressed appreciation to SINU for supporting and equipping Vanuatuβs health workforce, particularly through training Ni-Vanuatu nursing students.
The Minister, who is in the country to attend the SINU Nursing graduation this weekβwhere a number of Ni-Vanuatu students will graduate, said Vanuatu highly values its relationship with SINU.
He reaffirmed Vanuatuβs respect for Solomon Islands as a Melanesian brother, adding that the increasing number of Ni-Vanuatu graduates from the SINU School of Nursing reflects the strength of this partnership.
Minister Tariqetu also noted the reopening of the Vanuatu National Nursing College and highlighted the need for continued support and mentoring from the SINU School of Nursing moving forward.
During the visit, the delegation presented a token of appreciation to the Vice-Chancellor as a sign of respect and recognition of the strong relationship between SINU and Vanuatu.
Members of the delegation have also been invited to attend the SINU Graduation Ceremony this Thursday.
ENDS//