By Eliza Kukutu
By Andreana Kole
The Solomon Islands National University (SINU) has called on young Solomon Islanders to use education, practical skills and innovation to help shape the country’s future.
Speaking at SINU Open Day 2026, Pro Vice-Chancellor (Corporate) Dr William Parairato said the event was an opportunity for young people to explore university education, career pathways and the skills needed to contribute to national development.
The Open Day was held under the theme “Creating Your Future: Education, Skills and Innovation for a GREAT Solomon Islands.”
Dr Parairato said the theme reflected SINU’s responsibility as the country’s national university and its commitment to preparing students for the challenges and opportunities ahead.
He said university education should provide students with more than academic qualifications.
Students should graduate with practical skills, confidence, critical thinking, creativity, integrity and a sense of responsibility to their communities and country.
“Our country needs graduates who can translate knowledge into action,” he said.
He highlighted the need for skilled professionals across key sectors of the Solomon Islands economy and public services.
These include education, health, agriculture, fisheries, forestry, engineering, information technology, maritime studies, environmental science, business and social sciences.
He also emphasised the importance of technical and vocational education, practical learning and entrepreneurship in preparing young people for employment and business opportunities.
‘SINU wants its graduates to be able to identify problems, develop solutions and create opportunities”, he said.
Innovation was another key focus of the Open Day.
Dr Parairato said innovation did not always mean developing something completely new. It could involve finding better ways to address problems that communities had faced for many years.
He pointed to areas such as agriculture, climate change, health, digital education and entrepreneurship as opportunities for students and researchers to develop solutions relevant to Solomon Islands.
He said SINU should be a place where ideas are encouraged, research is valued and knowledge is connected to the needs of communities.
He also called for stronger partnerships between SINU and government, schools, businesses, industries, development partners and communities.
He said partnerships should go beyond formal agreements and events and should provide practical opportunities for students.
These could include internships, work placements, research, mentoring, scholarships and pathways into employment.
“Education and national development must work together,” he said.
He adds that the university’s roles were not only to produce graduates but also to contribute knowledge, research and skills that could support national development.
He urged secondary school students and prospective university students that they should not be afraid to dream about their future.
He encouraged students attending the Open Day to speak with lecturers, ask questions about programmes and careers, explore scholarships and facilities, and talk to current students about university life.
He said the young people attending the event were not simply visitors to SINU but were central to the university’s purpose.
The future of Solomon Islands, he said, would be shaped by their knowledge, skills, choices and willingness to take on challenges.
The Open Day also showcased SINU’s work across areas including research and innovation, health, agriculture, forestry, fisheries, aquaculture, natural resources, technology, climate and sustainability.
Dr Parairato said these areas were interconnected and formed part of a wider effort to prepare Solomon Islands for the future.
He said the future should not simply be something the country waits for. It should be created through education, skills, research, innovation, partnerships and responsible leadership.
He further urges prospective students that the Open Day should provide an opportunity to discover a pathway. For industry and development partners, it should open opportunities for collaboration.
He also acknowledged the contribution of parents, teachers, government and industry partners, development organisations, SINU staff, students and volunteers in supporting the event.
He said education remained one of the most important investments Solomon Islands could make in its future.
“A stronger Solomon Islands will depend on a generation equipped with the education, skills and innovative thinking needed to create opportunities and solve the country’s challenges.
ENDS//
