BY MORRIS NAFU
The Minister of Education and Human Resources Development (MEHRD), Tozen Leokana, delivered a heartfelt keynote address at the Solomon Islands National University (SINU) graduation ceremony last week.
Upon warmly congratulating the 2025 SINU graduates, he said the ceremony is a celebration of their resilience, dedication, and remarkable achievements.
“It marks both an ending and a new beginning — a step into a future filled with limitless possibilities,” said the Minister.
He praised the university’s leadership, faculty, and staff for their tireless commitment to nurturing critical thinking, innovation, and community engagement.
“Through education, research, and service, SINU shapes minds and builds stronger communities, advancing the noble cause of national development,” the Minister noted.
Reflecting on the year’s theme, “Charting New Horizons: Our Stories, Our Future”, Minister Leokana reminded graduates that their success is not only personal but also foundational to the nation’s shared future.
He highlighted inspiring stories from provinces like Boracay and Malaika, where graduates have turned challenges into opportunities—working with local farmers to improve food security and building successful businesses that employ family and community members.
Minister Leokana urged graduates to use their skills to create jobs, grow the economy, and lead by example, inspiring others to dream big and make lasting impacts.
He also acknowledged the vital support of families, lecturers, and staff who helped to make this day possible.
Addressing the broader national context, the Minister outlined key government initiatives supporting education, including the Solomon Islands Funded Scholarship Programme and reforms to strengthen Technical and Vocational Education Training (TVET).
He emphasised that TVET is not a second option but a vital pathway equipping youth with practical skills in agriculture, fisheries, construction, technology, and the emerging blue and green economies.
The Minister also spoke about the government’s focus on STEM education and innovation as drivers of national development, alongside efforts to improve quality assurance and scholarship frameworks to better align with labour market needs.
Challenging SINU’s management, Minister Leokana calls for further strengthening of TVET programs, suggesting the possibility of a dedicated campus focused on technical and vocational qualifications to meet the country’s technological and economic demands.
He highlighted five pressing challenges facing the nation, youth unemployment and skills mismatch, climate change and environmental sustainability, healthcare and education inequalities, the digital divide, and preserving culture amid modernisation.
“Graduates, you are well positioned to lead, innovate, and serve in addressing these issues,” he said.
Minister Leokana reminded graduates that leadership is a responsibility rooted in service, humility, and integrity.
“Your education is for yourself, your family, your community, and your country. Serve with humility. Lead with integrity. Remain lifelong learners. Mentor others.
“Use your knowledge for the greater good,” he said.
In closing, he encourages graduates to write their own stories of hope and success, never stop learning or serving, and thanked families and faculty for their sacrifices and guidance.
“Education is a collective investment.
“Together, let us chart new horizons for a stronger, smarter, and more resilient Solomon Islands,” he said.
On behalf of the government, Minister Leokana congratulated the class of 2025 and wished them courage, wisdom, and success in their journeys ahead.
“May God bless you all,” he said.
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