SINU students concerned over allowance delay

By Gary Hatigeva

STUDENTS at the Solomon Islands National University (SINU), who planned to spend their midyear break in their home provinces and villages, are worried that they could wait another week or two before their allowances are paid.

With less than three weeks left before the institute goes into its first semester break, students have expressed that any delays could affect their preparations to leave for their respective homes, and meeting outstanding costs they have with the university.

Following queries to the ministry over the raised concerns, students were practically told that payments were already made and funds are currently being processed by the ministry of finance and treasury.

But further enquiries by this paper with the ministry of finance revealed that no payment has yet been lodged by the Education Ministry for any student allowance.

These concerns however contravene earlier statements, which the Permanent Secretary for the Ministry of Education made, assuring that student allowances for the last quarter of semester one were to be paid before they leave for the mid-semester break.

But with only two weeks left, students are concerned that they could be stuck for another week or so before they will receive their allowances.

“We go into our final exams for semester one next week, and are expected to finalise all assessments and other related programs, the week after.

“After all, that we are expected to leave campus especially, those of us that are boarding, so what do you expect will happen if our allowances are delayed?

“We have already suffered enough throughout this semester in terms of our allowances, through the ministry of education, now this?” one of the students stressed.

Island Sun was unable to get comments from the Ministry regarding the concerns raised, but will continue to seek response in our next issues.

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