The Fiji National University (FNU) and the Solomon Islands National University (SINU) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to foster knowledge exchange, strengthen institutional capacities, and promote collaborative development across the Pacific region.
The MOU marks a significant step toward deepening academic cooperation and professional development opportunities between the two institutions. As part of this agreement, Jelrinah Eli, Secretary to the Vice Chancellor at SINU, has commenced a professional attachment with FNU’s Vice Chancellor’s Office from 4 to 30 April 2025.
This attachment provides Eli with an invaluable opportunity to gain hands-on experience in university administration, offering insight into the operations of a large, internationally recognised academic institution. It is also Eli’s first experience working outside the Solomon Islands, marking a milestone in her career and opening doors to new professional horizons.
“This attachment has been a valuable opportunity for me to enhance my skills and broaden my understanding of university operations. Being at FNU has allowed me to observe and learn firsthand how processes are managed within a larger, more established institution. It’s been a great professional development experience,” said Eli.
Eli attended the FNU graduation ceremony last week. “I had the privilege of attending FNU’s graduation ceremony, and I was truly impressed by how well-organised it was. There’s a dedicated graduation team specifically responsible for planning and executing the ceremonies. It really showed in the seamless flow of the event. At SINU, we have a graduation committee, but seeing how FNU structures and manages their ceremonies gave me a new perspective on how we can improve ours back home.”
Eli added that one of the most important things she has learned is the importance of protocol processes. “FNU has clear, well-defined systems in place, and I’ve gained a deeper understanding of how things are done—from administrative workflows to event coordination. This exposure has given me ideas and knowledge I can take back and apply at SINU”
Eli will be actively involved in various aspects of university administration, including office management, communication and correspondence handling, event and meeting coordination, and records management. The attachment also aims to enhance cross-cultural competencies and contribute to strengthening external relations.
“The MOU with SINU is a reflection of our commitment to regional capacity-building and academic solidarity,” said FNU Vice-Chancellor, Professor Unaisi Nabobo-Baba. “We are delighted to welcome Eli to FNU and support her development in a professional, cross-cultural environment.”
Given FNU’s longer institutional history and established academic structure, the experience is designed to enhance Eli’s administrative skills and provide valuable insights into senior leadership operations in a regional academic setting.
Through initiatives like this, the MOU seeks to cultivate a pool of skilled professionals equipped to contribute meaningfully to the growth and development of both FNU and SINU.
The partnership between FNU and SINU is closely aligned with the Fiji National University’s Strategic Plan 2024–2026, which emphasises regional engagement, capacity building, and the development of a high-performing and future-ready workforce. One of the key pillars of the Strategic Plan is strengthening partnerships to foster knowledge exchange and professional growth across the Pacific. This MOU directly supports that vision by facilitating practical training opportunities, such as Jelrinah Eli’s attachment, that build staff capabilities and promote shared learning across institutions. Through collaborative initiatives like this, FNU reinforces its commitment to being a regional leader in higher education and an active contributor to the advancement of education and institutional excellence in the Pacific.
ENDS