Research to influence Govt. policies: P.M. Tuilaepa
Prime Minister Tuilaepa Dr. Sa'ilele Malielegaoi has called for more research by the National University of Samoa to influence Government policies and decisions.
Giving the keynote address at a September 3-4 research forum at the N.U.S. Campus, Tuilaepa told the participants that research is critical in teaching, research and service.
He then commended the plans by the university to triple research outputs and income within the next six years.
"I commend you for doing that. It will all contribute to the building of local research capacity that the Government will depend on now and in the future to inform its development decisions."
Tuilaepa reassured the seminar participants that the Government takes research seriously and is looking forward to research evidence from the N.U.S. to inform their strategies, policies and work plans.
The Minister of Education Sports and Culture, Loau Solamalemalo Keneti Sio, expressed similar sentiments on the importance of research and acknowledged the role of the university.
"I congratulate you all for starting the conversation on research within the education sector through this research forum," Loau said
He then wished the forum success and added that he looks forward to the results of the deliberations, in order to inform the Government’s Education Sector Research Strategy for the next three years.
N.U.S. senior academics including deans and lecturers representing the various faculties did presentations at the forum and also engaged in discussion.