By Lynton Aaron Filia
THE University of the South Pacific (USP) marked a major milestone for education in the region with the official opening of its state-of-the-art campus at King George VI in Honiara, Solomon Islands recently.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, USP Vice-Chancellor Professor Pal Ahluwalia highlighted the enduring partnership between USP and the Solomon Islands Government.
“This campus is a testament to the long-standing relationship between USP and the people of Solomon Islands and other Pacific Island member countries, which began in 1968. Despite challenges, we’ve grown stronger as a family, and today’s opening is a milestone in our commitment to human resource development across the Pacific,” said Professor Ahluwalia.
He said the opening of the new campus would provide a space where future leaders, innovators, and thinkers would be nurtured, all while contributing to the goals of the 2025 Blue Pacific Strategy and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG4) for quality education.
Additionally, the campus will feature a modern library equipped with digital resources and collaborative spaces, reflecting the evolving role of libraries in higher education.
“Libraries are now more like campus living rooms, providing comfortable and collaborative spaces for students,” Professor Ahluwalia said.
The construction of this campus was made possible through funding from the Asian Development Bank (ADB), with a total investment of approximately $US17 million ($F37.8m).
Despite setbacks caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, including delays in material shipments and labour mobilisation, the construction resumed at full pace in 2022, culminating in the opening of this world-class facility.
Designed with sustainability in mind, the new campus boasts an array of environmentally friendly features. A solar PV farm powers the entire campus during the day, LED lighting reduces power consumption, and the campus has the capacity to harvest and store 90,000 liters of rainwater. These features align with USP’s commitment to reducing carbon footprint and promoting green campuses across the Pacific.
The campus also emphasizes inclusivity, with wheelchair access, elevators, and dedicated disabilities and special needs center. Reliable high-speed connectivity, powered by Starlink, ensures students have access to the best digital resources, making this facility one of the most advanced in the Pacific.
In his address, Acting Prime Minister of Solomon Islands, Bradley Tovosia highlighted the transformative power of education, noting that the new campus will be pivotal in shaping the future of the nation’s youth.
“This institution represents a new era in education, offering opportunities for students from across our islands to pursue their dreams and contribute to the nation’s development,” Mr Tovosia said.
With advanced teaching and learning spaces, sustainable design, and a focus on inclusivity, the new USP Solomon Islands campus stands as a beacon of hope for students, a center of learning, and a cornerstone of national development.
Lynton Aaron Filia is a Journalism student at The University of the South Pacific.
