The Vanuatu Agriculture College (VAC) in Santo will officially become the second institution to join the National University of Vanuatu (NUV), marking a significant milestone for higher education in the country.

The announcement was confirmed by NUV Vice-Chancellor Jean-Pierre Nirua during the college’s seventh graduation ceremony held last Friday.

The graduation marked the final ceremony conducted under the management and council of the Vanuatu Agriculture College. From this month, the institution will become the School of Agriculture under the National University of Vanuatu.

Mr Nirua said the move follows the successful integration of the Vanuatu Institute of Teacher Education (VITE) into NUV in 2021.

“The first school that joined NUV was VITE in 2021 and is now the School of Education. They offer degrees to train teachers for primary and secondary schools, allowing students to obtain their qualifications in Vanuatu rather than having to travel overseas. This same plan is now being prepared for the Agriculture College,” he said.

He said the transition would provide local students with greater opportunities to continue their education without needing overseas scholarships.

“If you are interested in continuing your education, the diploma programmes will become diplomas of the National University, which are currently being developed and are expected to be offered next year. Those who graduated today can gain work experience and apply their knowledge while preparing to continue their studies here in Vanuatu,” Mr Nirua said.

A total of 170 students graduated during the ceremony. Graduates received qualifications in a range of programmes including Certificate III and IV in Plant Science, Certificate IV in Agribusiness, Certificate III and IV in Animal Science, Diploma in Agriculture and Agribusiness, Diploma in Agriculture Animal Science, and Diploma in Agriculture Plant Science.

The graduates received their certificates under the final graduation ceremony administered by the Vanuatu Agriculture College Council and Management.

Many of the graduates are already undertaking internships with the Department of Agriculture, Livestock and Forestry, where they are gaining practical experience in the sector.