Students express concern over NTU's handling of new SIG students to USP

A number of new Solomon Islands Government sponsored students to the University of the South Pacific in Suva who have arrived over the weekend have expressed their disappointment with how the National Training Unit (NTU) has handled their welfare.

Several matured students who are part of the group which arrived yesterday say the late arrival of new students as witnessed this year should never be repeated as it can affect the academic performance of new students.

"The NTU should consider sending new SIG students at least two weeks before classes commence. Classes have already started today but new students who just arrived over the weekend are still undergoing registration which is very unfortunate," said the group of new students.

The students added that since their arrival yesterday, they will need at least two weeks to settle as they need to register, locate their lecture and tutorial rooms, and secure accomodation. This according to the students will be a waste of valuable time which should have been used to accumulate adequate knowledge of their courses if they have arrived on time.

"The government also needs to seriously consider giving an initial establishment allowance, at least FJ$500 to be deducted directly from the students maintenance allowance, to all sponsored students so that they can be able to secure immediate off-campus accomodation and settle rather than waiting for at least two weeks.

"That is the reason why a considerable number of new SIG students are still temporarily bunking with other friends as there are not enough rooms available on-campus due to the very late arrival of Solomon Islands government sponsored students."