Port-Vila, Vanuatu – Thursday 06 March 2025: The National University of Vanuatu (NUV) proudly launched its 2025 academic year with an official ceremony held at Warwick Le Lagon, Port Vila, on Monday 3 March 2025. The event was attended by more than 550 guests, including the Minister of Education and Training (MoET), Hon Simil Johnson, his First Political Advisor, Mr. Howard Aru, representatives of the diplomatic corps and development partners, partner universities (online), NUV staff, lecturers and students, marking a significant milestone in the university’s strengthening and growth.
The ceremony was an occasion to reflect on the remarkable progress of NUV over the past few years of operation, as it continues to expand its academic offerings and enhance higher education in Vanuatu. It also provided an opportunity to introduce 30 newly appointed academic staff from the School of Education, who have recently signed their contracts, marking the final step in their integration as Lecturers of NUV teaching at the School of Education.
During the event, Deputy Vice-Chancellor Pascal Michon welcomed everyone and introduced all academic programs offered in 2025 at NUV’s campuses before inviting faculty members to present their respective programs. The Officer-in-charge of the School of Education (SoE), Mr. Ben Boulekouran first related the historical background of the country’s Teachers’ College that was established in the 1960s and evolved with different names until VITE was merged as NUV’s School of Education on 15th March 2021 by virtue of a Ministerial Order issued by then Prime Minister Bob Loughman Weibur. Mr Boulekouran then introduced the academic staff, the support staff, the individual program on offer, with around 400 students currently registered at the SoE. Professor Moussa Thioye introduced the Bachelor of Economics & Social Sciences, while Madame Marina Casula presented the Master of Economics & Social Sciences. Madame Virginie de Barnier showcased the Bachelor of Tourism Management & Hospitality, and Dr. Putu Liza Mustika outlined the Bachelor of Environmental Sciences. Mr. Matthew Kensen presented the Diploma in Climate Resilience & Humanitarian Action, while Mr. Cedric Kere introduced the newly launched Diploma in Information & Communication Technology, an exciting addition to NUV’s academic offerings.
The event also served as a warm welcome to all students embarking on their academic journey at NUV, reinforcing the university’s commitment to academic and professional excellence, and its role to help shape the future of Vanuatu.
In his address, Vice-Chancellor Mr. Jean-Pierre Nirua expressed his gratitude to all attendees and emphasised NUV’s commitment to providing high-quality education and training. He said, “The National University of Vanuatu continues to grow, not only in student numbers but also in the diversity of our academic programs. We are proud to witness the expansion of our university, as we introduce new programs and strengthen existing ones to meet the educational and professional needs of our country. This year marks another step forward in our mission to deliver high quality education as we fully integrate the staff, support services, academic programs and students of the School of Education in the National University of Vanuatu. I warmly welcome all our students, faculty members, and administrative and support staff to what promises to be a successful and fulfilling academic year for all and our National University”.
Vice-Chancellor Nirua then appealed to the students to strive to study hard and succeed to honour the sacrifices of their parents. He then appealed to all staff to embrace a ‘one university’ team spirit at the service of the students so they can realise their goal to succeed.
In launching NUV’s 2025 Academic Year, Hon. Minister Simil Johnson emphasised the importance of quality education to help support the country’s development and called on all NUV staff to dedicate their time to ensure that the students get the best education and training locally to support the development of the country. Minister Johnson supported his political advisor’s call to ensure the qualifications attained at the NUV and the SoE are employability-driven with elements of entrepreneurship built in to guarantee self-employment in instances where direct access to paid employment is restricted.
The launch of the 2025 academic year underscores NUV’s dedication to fostering knowledge and professional training, research, and innovation, ensuring that students receive a robust and comprehensive education that prepares them for the future.
