Press Release
12 August 2026
The Western Provincial Government has reaffirmed its support for the Solomon Islands National Universityโs (SINU) plans to expand its presence in Western Province, including the proposed establishment of a new campus in Gizo and the expansion of its Poitete Campus on Kolombangara.
The commitment was reaffirmed during a meeting between a senior WPG delegation, led by Deputy Premier Hon. Brian Lotikena, and SINU Pro Vice-Chancellor Corporate Services, Dr William Parairato and Acting Manager Council Mr Edward Biku, on Tuesday this week.
The meeting focused on key areas of collaboration, including securing approximately 20 hectares of land in Gizo for the proposed SINU campus, the subdivision and transfer of approximately 18 hectares of land at Poitete, Kolombangara, to SINU, and the strengthening of Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) through Rural Training Centres (RTCs) across the province.
Deputy Premier Lotikena reaffirmed the WPGโs support for SINUโs proposal to secure land in Gizo, which would provide an opportunity for the University to expand its tertiary education and training services in the province.
He also reaffirmed the Provincial Governmentโs full support for the proposed subdivision of approximately 18 hectares of land at Poitete, Kolombangara, to facilitate its transfer to SINU.
The WPG delegation also highlighted the importance of strengthening and expanding Rural Training Centres throughout Western Province to provide young people with greater access to practical skills and training closer to their communities.
Responding on behalf of SINU, Dr Parairato acknowledged and thanked the Western Provincial Government for its continued support of the Universityโs efforts to expand tertiary education and training opportunities in Western Province and Solomon Islands more broadly.
Dr Parairato said that SINU was established under an Act of Parliament and has a statutory mandate to advance tertiary education and contribute to national development, including by extending education and training opportunities to the provinces.
He said SINU looks forward to completing the necessary arrangements for the Poitete Campus, which was refurbished with support from the Government of India, to enable the University to further expand its education and training services in Western Province.
The discussions form part of ongoing efforts by SINU and the Western Provincial Government to strengthen their partnership and expand access to tertiary education, technical training and skills development opportunities for people in Western Province.
Further discussions between the two parties will continue as work progresses on the proposed expansion initiatives.
The Western Provincial Government delegation comprised seven Members of the Provincial Assembly (MPAs) and the Supervising Provincial Secretary, Collin Potakana.
ENDS//