Press Release
16 March 2026
Solomon Islands National University (SINU) Vice-Chancellor Professor Transform Aqorau began his new term this week in a special and uplifting wayโthrough devotion, fellowship, and music with some of the Solomon Islandsโ talented gospel singers.
ย Joining the gathering were Edwin Mark, Wellington Fafale, Albert Fafale, Kelly Samani, and Wilson Paul, whose beautiful harmonies provided a meaningful start to the day.
ย Professor Aqorau said the fellowship was a personal way to begin the new chapter of his leadership at the University.
ย โI have always wanted to meet these singers because I love to sing myself. Having seen them perform on YouTube, I thought it would be a wonderful way to begin the new termโby being blessed by their beautiful voices.โ
ย The visit was arranged through Rinah Mark, a lawyer at the Ministry of Marine Resources and wife of Edwin Mark.
ย โI wanted something different,โ Professor Aqorau said. โA simple and low-key welcome from members of the public whose gifts bring inspiration and joy to many people.โ
ย Professor Aqorau recently formally resumed his duties as Vice Chancellor for a second term, expressing deep gratitude to the SINU Council for the confidence placed in him, and to the Universityโs academic and professional staff whose dedication sustains the institution.
ย He described SINU as more than a place of learning, but a community where the future of the nation is shaped.
ย โThis University is where minds are shaped, aspirations are nurtured, and the future of our nation quietly takes form.โ
ย Reflecting on leadership in the Solomon Islands context, Professor Aqorau emphasised the importance of collective effort.
ย โIn our Solomon Islands traditions, when people travel the sea in a canoe, each paddler moves in harmony with the others. No single paddler can reach the shore alone. It is the rhythm and unity of the whole crew that carries the canoe safely across the ocean.โ
ย As he begins his new term, Professor Aqorau said he looks forward to working closely with staff, students, and partners across the University and the wider community.
ย Over the coming weeks, he plans to visit faculties, departments, and campuses across SINU, listening to staff and learning more about both the strengths and challenges of the University. These discussions will help guide the Universityโs future direction, including the development of the SINU Strategic Plan 2026โ2036.
ย Professor Aqorau emphasised that universities play a critical role in preparing nations for the future.
ย โOur country faces important challenges and opportunitiesโfrom development and governance to climate change and economic growth. Universities such as ours must play a central role in preparing our young people with the knowledge, creativity, and leadership needed to serve our communities and our nation.โ
He said the morning of music and fellowship was a reminder of the spirit of community that underpins the University.
โSINU is like a vessel carrying the hopes of our people. Our students are the navigators of tomorrow, and our staff are the stewards who guide the voyage. If we continue to paddle together with unity, wisdom, and determination, there is no horizon we cannot reach.โ
ย Professor Aqorau said he looks forward to meeting many staff and students in the coming weeks as the University continues its shared journey of strengthening education, research, and service to the Solomon Islands.
ENDS//