Minister "extremely disappointed" with N.U.S. recruitment

By Joyetter Feagaimaali'i 20 June 2019, 8:23PM

Academics with foreign qualifications could be required to get clearance from the Samoa Qualifications Authority (S.Q.A.), before they can be employed by the National University of Samoa (N.U.S.).

The proposal to change the university's recruitment policy comes on the back of an investigation into the academic credentials of Kenyan national Dr. Embiruka Osborne Nyandiva, who was recruited as a senior lecturer in the N.U.S. School of Medicine.

The Minister of Education Sports and Culture, Loau Keneti Sio, said he is "extremely disappointed" with the hiring of Dr. Embiruka Osborne Nyandiva as a senior lecturer at the N.U.S.

Dr. Embiruka has been placed on leave pending an investigation by the Office of the Attorney General and the Medical Council of Samoa.

“It’s been confirmed from the S.Q.A. the credentials in which this man provided were questionable and obviously very concerning. 

“It’s puzzling how the N.U.S. failed its due diligence and allowed this to happen. How can we let someone with a fake degree teach at our N.U.S.,” Loau said. 

“The blame lies solely on the Vice Chancellor (Leapai Asofou So’o). He didn’t do his job thoroughly. 

“We will submit a proposal for Cabinet for anyone seeking employment with the N.U.S. to undergo S.Q.A. screening and without a clearance from the authority they won’t  be allowed to work,” said Loau. 

He said this should have never happened in the first place, is unacceptable and someone should answer for it. 

“The other issue now, is the credentials of the students that have graduated, if any that he taught at the school of medicine. 

“I would tell you now, they shouldn’t be accepted anywhere, they have to retake the course and it is setback for them as well as the N.U.S.” 

Last week, Prime Minister Tuilaepa Dr. Sa'ilele Malielegaoi questioned the role of the S.Q.A. 

But Loau said the S.Q.A. is the service provider and they only act based on the request. 

“That will change we will make it mandatory that all the lecturers will have to fork up S.Q.A. clearance."

Attempts by the Samoa Observer to get comments from Professor Fui Asofou have been unsuccessful as of press time. 

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Education
By Joyetter Feagaimaali'i 20 June 2019, 8:23PM

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