BY NED GAGAHE
Solomon Islands National University (SINU) and the Ministry of Police, National Security and Correctional Services (MPNSCS) have signed a three-year Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to strengthen security education and training in the country.
The MOU was signed on Monday, January 12, 2026, and focuses on enhancing SINU’s security programmes through closer collaboration with key law enforcement and national security stakeholders.
The agreement seeks to strengthen the design and delivery of tertiary programmes relevant to the security sector, support training and capacity building, and ensure that all security-related programmes are aligned with national security priorities and local context.
Acting Vice-Chancellor and Pro Vice-Chancellor Academic, Associate Professor Eric Katovai, said the partnership reflects a shared commitment to strengthening Solomon Islands’ national security through education, research and professional development, a statement from SINU said.
“For a small island nation such as ours, security, justice and the rule of law are foundational to stability, sustainable development and social cohesion,” Dr Katovai said.
He said the partnership will enable SINU to expand its academic and research capacity in security-related fields, including the development of postgraduate programmes, short professional courses and applied research aligned with national needs.
Dr Katovai also acknowledged the Faculty of Education and Humanities, which will be responsible for implementing the MOU on behalf of SINU.
He said the collaboration positions SINU to play a stronger national role in evidence-based policy support, leadership development and institutional strengthening across the security sector.
“The shared aspiration to explore the establishment of a Solomon Islands Institute for Law Enforcement and Security Studies is particularly significant, reflecting a long-term vision to build a national centre of excellence,” he said.
MPNSCS Permanent Secretary, Karen Galokale, said the ministry is fully committed to the partnership and welcomes the signing as a milestone for both institutions.
Also present at the signing was Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade Minister-Counsellor (Political), Stephanie Aeuckens, who congratulated SINU and MPNSCS and reaffirmed Australia’s continued support.
Under the MOU, SINU will lead the development, accreditation and delivery of security and law enforcement programmes, provide teaching staff and facilities, integrate practitioner input, and seek external partnerships to ensure sustainability.
MPNSCS will support programme relevance, facilitate secondment of officers from RSIPF, CSSI and other divisions, encourage staff participation, provide access to policy documents and data, and help align training outcomes with the National Security Strategy and other frameworks.
The MOU takes effect immediately and will remain valid for three years.
Photo credit: SINU
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