National University of Samoa

National University of Samoa promotes five distinguished professionals

The academics have excelled in teaching, service and research at the National University of Samoa in the last academic year have been promoted effective from 1 July 2021.

“It is with a great sense of pride that we recognise academics who are talented and passionate in their chosen fields, who bring prestige to the work of the University,” said the Vice Chancellor, Aiono Professor Ekeroma.

NUS Environmental Students engage youth in Carbon audit

The group started their audit in February this year on the university compound at Le Papaigalagala.

Lanulauava Student Association President, Grace Ah Young said it was important to carry out the audit and also involve youth. 

 “We are using an energy audit made easy for Pacific students created by the Secretariat of the Pacific Community, given to us by our main partner, Samoa Conservation Society.”

Letuimanu’asina Emma Kruse Vaai appointed National University of Samoa's new Pro Vice Chancellor

The appointment effective from 4 February 2021 is for 3 years.

She is taking over from former Pro Chancellor A’eau Chris Hazelman who has chaired the NUS Council for 6 years.

A statement said Letuimanu’asina holds a PhD from the University of NSW, Sydney Australia and other qualifications from Victoria University of Wellington which includes an Honorary Phd in Literature.

She has worked at NUS as a lecturer, Professor of English and Applied Linguistics and as Deputy Vice Chancellor from 2005-2016.

National University of Samoa anticipates more students to enroll in 2021 academic year

“Students should think of a job they want to do as a guide rather than thinking of a degree,” advises the Vice Chancellor.

“If they can’t get in because of course requirements, then consider another or a bridging course,” says Dr Ekeroma.

He added “We aim to be customer-focused by designing an enrolment process that minimises long delays, maximises comfort and clarity of programme requirements for parents and students.”

Hundreds of students flocked the campus during the second day of enrolment week today to enroll for the 2021 academic year.

National University of Samoa Vice Chancellor bestowed Aiono title

Dr Ekeroma was one of 15 members of his father’s side of the family who were bestowed with the Aiono title in 2009.

However, challenges followed in the Lands and Titles Court that have now finally been resolved.

“I was in New Zealand and was not aware of what it meant,” Dr Ekeroma said.

When he arrived back in the country back in January 2010, he was told that all 15 bestowals were unregistered, which included his cousin and head of the National Emergency Operations Centre, Ulu Bismarck Crawley.

Masters in Development Studies at The NUS receives International Accreditation

This means that MDS graduates will be recognised internationally.

The accreditation follows a review by a team from the European Association of Development Research and Training Institutes.

The review team approved the quality of the programme, the dedication and academic qualifications of the staff in general, the high degree of satisfaction of the students and alumni and the distinctive student intake.

The team commented that unique location of the MDS is a ‘South’-based programme offers close access to the study of development issues and to research fieldwork.

National University of Samoa cancels graduation due to measles epidemic

The university’s Management and Council has also postponed the 2019 TVET Graduation ceremony to April 2020.

According to the university, a couple of students who contracted measles and came to the campus were immediately sent home.

All successful Foundation students will be informed in the next few weeks on how to collect their Foundation Certificates.

In addition, all Foundation students who have already paid their application fee to graduate will be given a full refund.

Successful TVET students will pay their application fee to graduate next year.

Cabinet appoints Vice Chancellor of the National University of Samoa

Aiono has a PhD from The University of Auckland and an MBA from Keele University in the United Kingdom to name a few.

The newly appointed VC will lead NUS and ensure that the University achieves its expected outcomes.

He is responsible to the University Council for the effective leadership, management and development of the academic and administrative affairs of the University.

Photo source University of Otago

     

APTC and NUS sign Partnership Arrangement to equip Samoans with skills for life

The signing signals APTC’s focus on partnerships, a key feature of APTC Phase 3, where both NUS and APTC strengthen their commitment to shared goals, particularly on TVET and skills development for Samoa.

As Australia’s flagship investment in training excellence in the Pacific, APTC has produced more than 1,600 Samoan graduates since it first opened its campus doors in 2007, 47% of whom are women.

Investigations at National University of Samoa ongoing

Cabinet last month suspended the university's Vice Chancellor and placed two of his deputies on special leave.

The suspensions followed complaints that some students graduated when they shouldn't have.

Several investigations are underway.

Meanwhile, the chief executive of Samoa's qualifications authority, Letuimanu'asina Emma Kruse Va'ai, said interim staff are providing cover for the university's leadership.