The National University of Vanuatu (NUV) has appointed Dr Deewakarsingh Authelsingh as its new Director of Quality and Assurance, a key leadership role that places students, learning, and national development at the centre of the University’s mission.
For Dr Authelsingh, joining NUV represents more than a professional milestone — it is an opportunity to help shape the future of higher education in Vanuatu.
“I was drawn by NUV’s vision and its commitment to national development,” he said. “To be part of a young and ambitious University, and to contribute to student success, is both exciting and meaningful.”
From a press release it states that Dr Authelsingh brings a diverse academic and professional background. He holds a Doctorate in Inclusive Education, an Executive MBA, and a Master’s degree in Educational Leadership and Management, along with postgraduate qualifications in brand management and inclusive education.
His career spans both the private and public sectors internationally. He previously worked as a Technical Specialist at Hewlett Packard, taught at the secondary school level, and rose from Lecturer to Senior Lecturer at the Mauritius Institute of Education. He has also advised the Ministry of Education in Mauritius on curriculum reform and innovative teaching practices, led a national education reform initiative, and most recently served as Director of the Special Educational Needs Authority.
Throughout his career, he has collaborated with educators and institutions in Kenya, Japan, Canada, Hong Kong, and India — experiences that have shaped his global perspective on learning and education systems.
At NUV, however, his focus is firmly local and regional.
Dr Authelsingh explains that quality assurance is about ensuring every student receives a meaningful, relevant, and supportive learning experience.
“It’s about constantly asking how we can do better — for our students, our staff, and our communities,” he said. “It’s about ensuring our programmes prepare graduates for real careers, real challenges, and real opportunities.”
In practical terms, this includes keeping courses aligned with national and industry needs, supporting lecturers to strengthen their teaching skills, enhancing student services, and using data such as student performance and graduate outcomes to guide continuous improvement.
He emphasised that students remain at the heart of NUV’s work.
“Students deserve programmes that matter, teachers who inspire, and qualifications that open doors,” he said.
Dr Authelsingh also highlighted the importance of teamwork across the University, noting that both academic and administrative staff play a crucial role in shaping the student experience.
“Quality is not one person’s job — it belongs to all of us,” he added.
NUV’s mission aligns closely with Vanuatu’s national development priorities under Vanuatu 2030: The People’s Plan, as well as the country’s Education and Training Sector Strategic Plan and National Human Resource Development Plan 2020–2030.
In his first year, Dr Authelsingh plans to review existing systems, strengthen engagement with students and partners, build staff capacity, and ensure all programmes are fully accredited. He aims to foster a university-wide culture of continuous improvement.
“To our students: your success matters deeply to us. To our staff: I look forward to working alongside you to build something truly special. And to our partners: your collaboration is vital. Together, we can elevate NUV into a leading institution for Vanuatu and the Pacific,” he said.
As NUV continues to grow, Dr Authelsingh’s appointment marks an important step forward — rooted in inclusion, excellence, and a shared commitment to empowering the next generation of Ni-Vanuatu leaders.
