Silafau Professor Sina Va'ai has been appointed as the Acting Vice Chancellor at the National University of Samoa. 

The announcement was made by the N.U.S. Council Chairman, A'eau Chris Hazelman during a meeting with the entire faculty and staff at the fale Samoa this afternoon. 

Last week, Cabinet endorsed the suspension of the N.U.S. Vice Chancellor, Professor Fui Asofou So’o while Deputy Vice Chancellor (academic and research) Peseta Desmond Lee Hang, and Deputy Vice Chancellor (corporate services) Maugaoali’i Ufagalilo Fa’amanu Mualia, who have also been placed on special leave and are to be investigated together.  

At the meeting, Aeau apologised to the N.U.S. staff for the dissemination of the information pertaining to the suspension of the N.U.S. officials, which was first made on the media prior to the informing of the staff. 

“Hence this meeting to inform you all of what is happening,” he said. 

Aeau also urged the staff to cooperate with the ongoing investigation and urged them to tell the truth. Also reminded them that what is said during the investigation is strictly confidential. 

“If you are being questioned during the investigation, be honest and tell the truth,” he said.  

He also warned the N.U.S. staff to refer all media inquiries to him and the Minister of Education Sports and Culture, Loau Keneti Sio. 

"We all know the media is coming around as they are doing their job, however please refer them to me and I will refer them to the Minister," said Aeau. 

Silafau, a Professor for English, works under the Faculty of Arts division with the N.U.S.