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SINU Academic staff welcomes ongoing investigation

LECTURES Association of Solomon Islands National University (LASINU) has commended the bold action taken by the university's Vice Chancellor to suspend five SINU staff.

At the same time, they warned the university has no place for anyone who thinks they can defraud the university.

In a statement, the academic staff through its association fully supports the action taken by the university Vice Chancellor to suspend the five staff for the alleged fraudulent activities occurring in 2022. 

"As the only state institution of higher learning, SINU must adhere to principles of good governance and transparency premised on its core values. 

"In taking such a step, the Vice Chancellor upholds these values and principles for which the academic staff is thankful for," the association said.

Further, the academic staff is happy that the Vice Chancellor offers natural justice to the staff affected. 

"It is important that the final decision to determine the fate of those involved must be conducted through proper investigation so that they have the opportunity to tell their story. 

"The academic staff fully regrets the situation, particularly for a growing university, the fee payers and the government that some individuals would find the stamina to draw from our own university financial resources. 

"While thanking the university's Vice Chancellor for taking such bold action, it warns that the university has no place for anyone who thinks they can defraud the university," the association said.

The suspended staff members are identified as:

Pro Vice Chancellor (Academic), Dr Jack Maebuta;

Acting Director Properties and Facilities, Frank Lui;

Dean of the Faculty of Nursing, Verzilyn Isom;

Finance/Logistics/Revenue Enforcement Officer, Glen Hunty; and

Senior Marketing and Promotions Officer, Estee Longamei.

It was alleged that they were involved in fraudulent activities involving printing by Wakaman Inc.

Their case is now subject to final outcome of "an Internal Audit investigation conducted with the support of the National Crimes Unit and Janus Task Force.

The initial investigation uncovered 77 purchase vouchers for a total of $3.3 million spent to this company that does not own a printing machine.

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