By Georgina Maka’a
FIVE senior staff of Solomon Islands National University (SINU) who were earlier suspended for allegedly defrauding the university have now all been terminated.
Three of the staff – Dr Jack Maebuta (Pro Vice Chancellor, Academic), Verzilyn Isom (Dean of Nursing) and Frank Lui (acting director of Property) – have had their contracts terminated over previous weeks.
Last night, SINU Vice Chancellor Professor Transform Aqorau said employment contracts of Estee Lonamei (Senior Marketing & Promotion Manager) and Glen Hunt (Finance Logistics/Enforcement Officer) have also been terminated.
Aqorau also announced the termination of a sixth staff, Chanson Resture, an Accounts Officer.
All six were terminated in relation to their alleged involvement in the Wakaman Printing scandal.
“It is a painful undertaking, but we must ensure that we maintain the highest level of probity,” Professor Aqorau stated.
He emphasized that the educated should lead by example.
“Those of us who are educated should know better and lead by example, not corrode our standards of governance,” he said.
The SINU Vice Chancellor also disclosed that the university management would be collaborating with the National Crimes Unit and JANUS to bring criminal charges against those implicated in the scandal.
SINU has already laid charges of gross misconduct against the six under its own disciplinary regulations
Highlighting the larger issue of good governance, Professor Aqorau stated:
“The country and people are crying out for good governance and services.
“It is up to those of us entrusted with higher responsibilities to set the standard for honest governance.”
Aqorau initiated this investigation shortly after his appointment as SINU’s vice chancellor in November 2022.
He said his action was prompted by reports of irregularities and financial discrepancies related to printing services provided by Wakaman Inc, a company that does not own a printing machine.
Initial findings revealed more than $3.4 million of SINU funds were expended in the fraudulent printing procurement.
See previous story here.
