BY TONY IROGA
The Solomon Islands National University (SINU) is reviewing its Bachelor of Fisheries Studies programme to better align it with industry demands and equip graduates with the practical skills needed for the fisheries sector.
The review was the focus of a stakeholder consultation organised by SINU’s Department of Fisheries Studies on Thursday, where representatives from government, the fisheries industry, academia and alumni gathered to provide feedback on the programme.
According to SINU, the consultation is part of the university’s quality assurance and accreditation process that aims to ensure that the programme meets recognised academic standards, industry expectations and international best practices while supporting ongoing curriculum improvement.
Dean of the Faculty of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, Dr Vaeno Vigulu, said the views of stakeholders are vital to the review process and will help shape a stronger and more relevant fisheries programme.
He encouraged participants to share their perspectives, assuring them that their recommendations will be considered as the curriculum is updated.
Addressing the consultation, SINU Vice-Chancellor Professor Transform Aqorau said the current programme will benefit from a review of its course structure, noting that some units appeared to overlap while greater emphasis should be placed on hands-on learning.
“In a programme such as fisheries, where graduates are expected to work confidently in communities, on vessels, in laboratories, in industry settings, and in regulatory environments, practical and experiential learning cannot be secondary; it must be central,” Professor Aqorau said.
He said the curriculum should also place greater emphasis on skills that reflect industry needs, including fish quality standards, food processing and handling, fisheries observation, compliance and applied fisheries management.
“These are not minor adjustments. They go to the heart of producing graduates who are genuinely ready for the workplace and able to contribute from day one,” he said.
He said stakeholder engagement plays an important role to ensure university programmes remain relevant and responsive to the needs of employers and the wider community.
He said programme reviews should not only be seen as an accreditation requirement but also as an opportunity to improve teaching, learning and graduate readiness.
According to SINU, the consultation brought together representatives from the Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources (MFMR), WorldFish, the University of Wollongong, local marine resource managers, SINU alumni and university staff.
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