Port-Vila, Vanuatu – Monday 8 December 2025: The National University of Vanuatu (NUV) proudly congratulates the 15 graduates from 10 Pacific Island countries who have successfully completed the Certificate in Pathways to Cybersecurity in Pacific Islands, a capacity-building initiative delivered in partnership with the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), and the Asia Pacific Network Information Centre (APNIC), with support from the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications of Japan.
The official handing-over ceremony was officiated by Ms. Cherol Ala, Director General of the Ministry of Education and Training and Chair of the NUV Council, representing NUV’s Chancellor, H.E. Nikenike Vurobaravu, the President of the Republic of Vanuatu. The event also marked a significant milestone for the university as NUV’s Vice-Chancellor, Mr Jean-Pierre Nirua, signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Mr John Jack, Director of the Department of Communications and Digital Transformation (DCDT), strengthening cooperation on cybersecurity development, digital skills, research collaboration, and national capacity-building across Vanuatu.
The Cybersecurity programme is a five-month initiative designed to enhance the skills of early-career professionals from Pacific Island Member States. Participants completed 19 weeks of intensive virtual learning before travelling to Port Vila for Phase 2 for the face-to-face training, which started on 1 December 2025 at the NUV campus. The face-to-face training was delivered by experts from ITU, APNIC and NUV, focusing on practical skills essential for strengthening cyber resilience across the Pacific.
Speaking at the ceremony, NUV’s Vice Chancellor emphasised the growing importance of cybersecurity in safeguarding communities, institutions, national infrastructure and even individual rights and dignity. “Today’s ceremony highlights the critically important role that cybersecurity must play in our region and societies,” he said.
“I warmly congratulate all 15 students from the 10 Pacific Island countries for their commitment and dedication to take this training, firstly online and then travelling to the National University of Vanuatu in Port-Vila to complete the face-to-face practical component under the good stewardship of international trainers. Also, the signing of the partnership agreement with the Government Department of Communication and Digital Transformation, today, reinforces our ongoing collaboration with the Government’s key institution and strengthens NUV’s long-term partnership with ITU as we continue working together to build a safer digital future for Vanuatu and the Pacific.”
Ms. Cherol Ala commended the collaborative effort behind the programme. She said, “On behalf of the Ministry of Education and Training, I express our deep gratitude to the Government of Japan for their generous funding, and to APNIC and ITU for their invaluable contribution. We also thank the National University of Vanuatu for leading this important initiative. A university is a place to treasure – a place to nurture the minds that will shape our future. Today, we celebrate both the achievements of our students from the Pacific region and the partnerships that made this possible.”
NUV once again congratulates the graduates and reaffirms its dedication to supporting cybersecurity education, fostering Pacific cooperation, and empowering the next generation of digital professionals.
