SINU Students Call for Stronger Practical Entrepreneurship Support

A female student at Solomon Islands National University has called for stronger practical support for entrepreneurship, highlighting the need to bridge the gap between classroom learning and real-world application.

Speaking during the university’s 2026 New Academic Year Opening, the student emphasised that while entrepreneurship is well taught academically, opportunities to apply those skills remain limited.

“Entrepreneurship is the backbone of any country. When we create more businesses, we create more wealth for ourselves, but the challenge is how we connect what we learn in class to the outside world,” she said.

While students are equipped with business planning skills, she explained that turning those plans into real ventures remains a challenge, often due to limited access to finance, mentorship, and practical experience.

One idea gaining attention is the need for real spaces on campus where students can test their ideas, whether through running small businesses or managing existing facilities like canteens.

In response, SINU Vice Chancellor Transform Aqorau acknowledged the concern and confirmed that the university is working to strengthen practical learning opportunities.

“We recognise the importance of practical learning and are working within the university system to ensure students can apply their knowledge in real business environments,” he said.

The university is advancing its SINU TAFE initiative and exploring new approaches, including requiring entrepreneurship students to establish businesses as part of their studies.

James Kana Managing Director of Ueniusi’unu Agribusiness Group also highlighted the importance of entrepreneurship in economic development.

“Entrepreneurship is the heartbeat of SMEs and the engine room of the private sector,” he said.

SINU is also undertaking a curriculum review to integrate entrepreneurship across all programs, aiming to equip graduates not only to seek employment, but to create their own opportunities.