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The Vice Chancellor of the University of Goroka (UoG), Dr. Teng Waninga, met with Professor Transform Aqorau to discuss expanding collaboration between UoG and the Solomon Islands National University (SINU). This meeting comes at a significant time, as UoG celebrates ten years of its Center in Honiara and looks toward establishing a full-fledged campus in the Solomon Islands.
Dr. Waninga was accompanied by a high-level delegation, including Council Nelson Auwo, University Council Member; Desmond Kipa, UoG Lawyer; Kensol Rui, Executive Director, Institute of Distance and Flexible Learning; and Richard Pilapitu, UoG POC Director. Their presence underscored UoGโs commitment to fostering deeper institutional ties with SINU and exploring avenues for collaboration.
A key focus of the discussions was fostering mutual support for SINUโs academic programmes and courses, as well as professional development opportunities for staff. Dr. Waninga reaffirmed UoGโs commitment to strengthening higher education in the region, particularly in partnership with SINU.
The University of Goroka has a long-standing connection with the Solomon Islands. Originally established as the Goroka Teachers College, the institution has trained generations of educators, including many Solomon Islanders. Among its distinguished alumni is Dr. Patricia Rodie, the current Dean of the Faculty of Education and Humanities at SINU, whose academic journey is a testament to the vital role UoG has played in shaping education across the Pacific.
One of the most exciting aspects of the discussions centered on STEM EducationโScience, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics. The University of Goroka is the only university in Papua New Guinea that offers a specialized teacher training programme in STEM education. Recognizing the critical need for qualified STEM educators in the Solomon Islands, UoG and SINU are working towards a formal agreement that will include, among other areas, support for STEM teacher training.
Speaking on the partnership, Professor Transform Aqorau expressed his enthusiasm for the collaboration:
“I am truly excited about the support and partnership that we are developing with the University of Goroka. Through this partnership, we not only strengthen our ties but also gain access to the wealth of international expertise that UoG is connected with in the field of STEM education. This will be a game-changer for teacher training in the Solomon Islands and will significantly contribute to building our capacity in science and technology education.”
As both institutions work towards finalizing a formal agreement, the collaboration between UoG and SINU promises to open new doors for educational excellence, innovation, and capacity building in the Solomon Islands.
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