The University of the South Pacific, USP, has opened up a new campus in the Solomon Islands with the promise of ushering in a new era of education to the member country.
“This new campus is a testament to the long-standing partnership between USP and the Government and people of the Solomon Islands,” a USP statement underlined.
“It marks the beginning of a new era in education, one that promises to transform the lives of the youth in the Solomon Islands, uplift communities, and contribute to the nation’s development.”
“The journey of this new campus began nearly 20 years ago, when discussions first started to build a facility that would meet the growing needs of the Solomon Islands,” USP Vice-Chancellor and President, Professor Pal Ahluwalia, remarked in his opening address,
“Despite setbacks caused by the Coronavirus pandemic and delays in the shipment of materials, construction resumed at full pace in 2022, leading to the celebration today.”
Professor Ahluwalia emphasised that the opening of the campus is “demonstrated evidence of our abiding commitment to serving the Solomon Islands and delivering on national and regional development goals, including working towards the global Sustainable Development Goals and the 2050 Blue Pacific Strategy.”
Solomon Islands’ Acting Prime Minister and current Deputy Prime Minister, Honourable Bradley Tovosia, in his address at the ceremony, said, “This campus ensures that students from across our islands, regardless of their origin, have access to world-class tertiary education.”
He highlighted that the campus offers youth a pathway to a brighter future, empowering them to pursue their dreams while contributing to the growth and success of the Solomon Islands.
“This campus is a symbol of national unity. Here, students from across the Solomon Islands will come together, interact, and share knowledge.
“The bonds formed within these walls will transcend regional and ethnic differences, fostering a sense of shared identity and purpose.”
Financed by the Asian Development Bank, “The state-of-the-art facility will serve as a hub for innovation, collaboration and growth,” said ADB’s Regional Director Shane Rosenthal.
Rosenthal further added, “The new campus will provide expanded access to quality higher education, particularly for women and students from remote outer islands and other Pacific countries.”