Ni- Vanuatu students from the PMโs home province posed for a group photo with the PM.
Press Releaseย
16 September 2026
The Prime Minister of Vanuatu, Hon. Jotham Napat, along with his delegation, visited Ni-Vanuatu students studying at the Solomon Islands National University (SINU) on Friday, 12 September 2025.
PM Napat, who was in Honiara to attend the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF), was invited by SINUโs Ni-Vanuatu students for a meet-and-greet session. This provided an opportunity for students to share some of the challenges they face while pursuing their studies in the Solomon Islands.
The Prime Minister was welcomed by Dr. Humpress Harrington, Dean of the Faculty of Nursing, Medicine & Health Sciences, who acknowledged the contribution of Ni-Vanuatu students to SINU. Dr. Harrington expressed SINUโs pride in hosting Ni-Vanuatu students and thanked PM Napat for taking the time to meet with them.
During the session, PM Napat congratulated students for their commitment and dedication to their studies. He encouraged them to continue pursuing excellence and assured final-year students that he would liaise with the Ministries of Education and Health in Vanuatu to ensure their names are included in employment systems upon graduation.
Studentsโ representative, Joselyne Stephen, presented five key issues faced by Ni-Vanuatu students and requested support from the Vanuatu government:
- On-Ground Support: Students highlighted the absence of a Vanuatu government office in Honiara and suggested the establishment of a representative office to better support Ni-Vanuatu students.
- Financial Support: Self-sponsored students requested assistance from the Vanuatu government to help manage financial challenges.
- Scholarship Eligibility: Students asked for more inclusive criteria to accommodate both diploma and bachelorโs degree students, as current scholarships prioritize bachelorโs degrees only.
- Loan Repayment: Students who received loans from the Vanuatu National Provident Fund (VNPF) highlighted the burden of repayment and requested a review of the repayment process.
- Fairness in Scholarships: Students requested that government scholarships support both new and in-service students, rather than prioritizing only new students.
Currently, SINU hosts a total of 97 Ni-Vanuatu students, most of whom are enrolled under the Faculty of Nursing, Medicine & Health Sciences.
SINU remains committed to providing a supportive and inclusive learning environment for all students, including those from the Pacific region.
ENDS//