M.P. calls for separation of N.U.S. and I.O.T.

By Staff Writer 24 January 2018, 12:00AM

Member of Parliament for A'ana Alofi No. 3, Ili Setefano Ta'ateo, has called upon the government to consider separating the National University of Samoa (N.U.S.) and the Institute of Technology (I.O.T.).

Speaking in Parliament yesterday during the discussion of the Government’s $24.4million supplementary budget, Ili directed his request to the Minister of Education, Sports and Culture, Loau Keneti Sio.

Ili said he has noticed that since the University and I.O.T. merged more than 10 years ago, a lot of the focus has been dedicated to the University rather than I.O.T.

Prior to the merger, vocational training was provided by the Samoa Polytechnic. 

Ili said the government needs to reconsider separating the entities again, to ensure the focus and resources are channeled towards the developing of vocational learning.

He said these are critical skills for the development of Samoa and they cannot afford to play second fiddle to the more popular subjects being taught at the University.

The Member of Parliament added that the government’s decision to merge Health and the National Health Services should give the Ministry of Education the courage to do what needs to be done with vocational learning.

Ili was supported by other Members of Parliament, including Falealili Sisifo’s M.P, Aumua Isaia Lameko.

Parliament continued last night.

By Staff Writer 24 January 2018, 12:00AM
Samoa Observer

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