BY NED GAGAHE
THE Solomon Islands National University (SINU) is moving to broaden participation in its governance structures, with proposed reforms to introduce overseas university representatives to its council and strengthen student representation in key decision-making bodies.
Vice-Chancellor Professor Transform Aqorau said proposals to amend the SINU Act to allow representatives from overseas universities to sit on the University Council are currently before the Minister of Education.
The move aims to bring international expertise and global perspectives into SINU’s strategic direction and accountability processes.
“Introducing international expertise at the council level will strengthen our governance and ensure that SINU benefits from global best practices. This will not only benefit the university, but the country as a whole,” Professor Aqorau said.
Alongside these proposed council reforms, SINU has already taken steps to make its internal governance more inclusive.
Student representatives have now been added to all faculty boards, giving students a direct voice in discussions affecting academic programs, teaching, and learning within their respective faculties.
An amendment is also underway to include student representation in the University Senate, SINU’s highest academic decision-making body.
Once approved, students will be able to contribute to deliberations on academic policies, standards, and program development at the highest level.
Professor Aqorau said involving students in governance affirms that SINU belongs to those it serves.
“By giving students, a voice in shaping academic programs and policies, we are making it clear that SINU is their university as much as anyone else’s,” he said.
The Vice-Chancellor said the reforms reflect SINU’s broader commitment to building a people-centred institution that is inclusive, transparent, and responsive to community needs.
“These changes are about opening up our decision-making processes and ensuring that diverse perspectives are heard.
“Inclusive governance strengthens trust, accountability, and the quality of decisions we make as a national university,” he said.
The proposed amendments to the SINU Act are part of wider governance reforms undertaken by the university over the past three years, and aims to restore confidence, improve accountability, and position SINU as a modern, forward-looking institution.
Photo: Supplied
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