^{by Ofani Eremae} 

SOLOMON Islands National University (SINU) this week terminated the contract of Frank Lui, one of the five senior staff it suspended in early June over allegations of fraud. 

Lui is SINU’s acting Director of Property at the time of his suspension. 

Two weeks ago, SINU terminated the contracts of Pro Vice Chancellor (Academic) Dr Jack Maebutu and Dean of Nursing Verzilyn Isom. 

SINU was unable to take action against Lui and two other suspended staff, Estee Lonameia and Glen Hunt, because they obtained High Court orders to halt any further disciplinary action against them. 

SINU says it is challenging the orders, and will take appropriate action, if and when the orders are lifted. 

Meanwhile, Vice Chancellor Professor Transform Aqorau explained Lui’s contract was terminated in relation to two separate investigations that were conducted into his dealings in 2019 and 2021. 

“Lui has been the subject of two previous investigations in 2019 and 20121 regarding his alleged abuse of SINU’s account at Fangs to obtain hardware,” Aqorau said in an email sent to his staff. 

“After careful consideration and due process, the decision to terminate Lui’s contract was based on the findings from the 2019 and 2021 Reports,” he added. 

“These reports pointed to serious concerns about his action and conduct, which are contrary to the principles of good governance and ethics that we strive to uphold now at SINU. 

Aqorau said Lui was given the opportunity to respond to the charges against him. 

“His denial of all charges, unfortunately, was not sufficient to exonerate him from the weight of the evidence presented in the report. 

“SINU management is firmly committed to ensuring transparency, accountability and good governance throughout our institution. 

“The abuse of any position for personal gain or any action that undermines the values we hold dear will not be tolerated.” 

Attempts to reach Lui for comments were unsuccessful. 

A month after suspending the five, SINU proceeded on to lay charges of gross misconduct against them. 

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.