The recent budgetary cuts outlined in the Supplementary Appropriation Bill, passed in Parliament last week, have sparked concerns for the Solomon Islands National University (SINU).
The Ministry of Education, which oversees SINU, was notably affected, with the university’s infrastructure grant reduced by $20 million—from $50 million to $30 million. Additionally, the Ministry faces an $89 million reservation for the 2024 financial year.
This budget reduction was confirmed during a Public Accounts Committee (PAC) hearing two weeks ago and eventually tabled in Parliament last week.
Ministry representatives expressed their dismay at the cuts, saying that they had not been consulted in the decision-making process.
While acknowledging the necessity of fiscal policy measures, the Ministry of Education which normally receives $204 million annually said it has to reprioritize.
“We have to reprioritize to cater for this reduction and reservation.”
Former Education Minister and MP for North New Georgia John Dean Kuku urged the Ministry of Finance and Ministry of Education to ensure the $20 million fund reduction is returned to SINU.
“I call on the ministers for Education and Finance to consider returning the $20 million fund to SINU infrastructure development. We must give, not take away.”
Chair of the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) and MP for Central Honiara, Gordon Darcy Lilo also shared the same sentiments.
Meanwhile, SINU Vice Chancellor Dr Transform Aqorau raised concerns about the potential impact of the budget cuts on the University’s strategic objectives, particularly in the areas of infrastructure development and scholarships.
“Infrastructure projects at SINU are not only crucial for enhancing the learning environment but also for expanding our capacity to accommodate the growing number of students seeking higher education,” Aqorau stated.
“These projects include the construction of new lecture halls, laboratories, student accommodations, and other essential facilities, all of which are integral to providing a comprehensive educational experience that meets both local and international standards,” he added.
Aqorau said that these infrastructure developments are foundational to SINU’s vision of becoming an internationally recognized institution.
“State-of-the-art facilities are critical for attracting and retaining high-caliber faculty and students, fostering innovative research, and ensuring our graduates are well-prepared to compete in a globalized economy.
“Without these developments, our ability to offer cutting-edge education and achieve international accreditation for our courses is severely compromised.”
He also highlighted the broader socio-economic implications of the budget cuts, noting that the delay or potential cancellation of these projects would have far-reaching consequences beyond the academic sphere.
“These projects are significant contributors to the local economy, providing numerous jobs during both the construction phase and the ongoing operations of these new facilities.
“The construction sector, in particular, relies heavily on such large-scale projects, which create employment opportunities for engineers, architects, construction workers, and various suppliers.
“The completion of these projects would also have led to the creation of new academic and administrative positions within the University, further contributing to job creation and economic stability in the region.
“However, with the budget cuts, these opportunities are now at risk.
The cuts, he concluded, represent not only a setback in SINU’s educational mission but also a missed opportunity for job creation and economic growth, which are vital for the progress of the Solomon Islands.
The budget of $113.4 million was passed in parliament without amendments.
Parliament is on special adjournment until Monday 9th September 2024.
Ends///
