UNIVERSITY of South Pacific’s (USP) proposed fourth campus at Doma, west Guadalcanal, would boost tertiary education for the country.
That’s according to Minister of Education Dr Derek Sikua.
Speaking at a press conference yesterday, Dr Sikua said the project is one of the priorities for the Sogavare-led government.
He said the government is supporting the establishment with an allocation of $20 million in this year’s budget, which will be tabled in the March sitting.
“I believe this is a new era in education,” Dr Sikua said.
He said the government wanted to see the campus operation during its tenure, which will end in 2018.
“We wanted to see the campus open in 2018 to coincide with USP’s 50th anniversary and the end of the current government’s term,” the minister said.
“If DCC government is to leave a legacy behind, it is the establishment of USP’s fourth campus at Doma.”
He said opening up a big USP campus here would bring opportunities for Solomon Islands students and abroad to pursue their education in the country.
Meanwhile, USP Vice Chancelor Professor Rajesh Chandra said USP was impressed with cabinet’s decision to priorities the campus.
He said his delegation met with the local taskforce this week to discuss issues that need to be iron out to ensure the project runs smoothly.
Professor Chandra said the Bomb Disposal team will clear the site of any world war two objects before the project takes off.
He said USP is genuinely committed to the cause of tertiary education in Solomon Islands.
Work on the campus is expected to start next year.
By ELLIOT DAWEA