Honiara – A total of 1,428 students from the Solomon Islands National University (SINU) celebrated their academic achievements today – Thursday 11th September 2025.
This was during a graduation ceremony held at Maranatha Hall in East Honiara.
The event marked one of the university’s largest graduating cohorts in recent years, spanning various disciplines across its faculties and schools.
In his keynote address, Vice Chancellor Dr. Transform Aqorau delivered a powerful message to the graduates, urging them to embrace not only the honor of academic achievement but also the responsibility that comes with it.
“You have worked hard to earn the caps and gowns you wear today,” said Dr. Aqorau.
“Your diploma is proof of your knowledge and skills — but more importantly, it is a call to action.
“It signifies that you are now among the educated citizens of our nation, and with that comes both the duty to lead and the responsibility to serve.”
Dr. Aqorau reminded the graduates that the country has invested in their education and now looks to them to give back through service, leadership, and innovation.
“In essence,” he continued, “do not ask what your country can do for you, but rather what you can do for your country with the education you have received.”
The ceremony was attended by university staff, government officials, families, and friends who gathered to celebrate the achievements of SINU’s Class of 2025.
Some of the top performing students were also awarded during the ceremony.
For many graduates, the day marked not only the culmination of years of study but also the beginning of new challenges and opportunities in the workforce and wider society.
SINU continues to play a vital role in the country’s development by providing accessible higher education and producing graduates equipped to contribute to national growth and resilience.
Minister of Education Tozen Leokana is amongst the guest witnessing the ceremony.
By John Chrisma
Solomon Star, Honiara
