National University of Samoa

The National University of Samoa (Le Iunivesite Aoao o Samoa) is the only national university in Samoa. Established in 1984 by an act of parliament, it is coeducational and provides certificate, diploma, and undergraduate degree programs, as well as technical and vocational training. About 2,000 students were enrolled in 2010 with an estimated 300 staff. It offers a wide range of programmes including Arts, Business and Entrepreneurship, Education, Science, Nursing, Engineering and Maritime Training. The Centre for Samoan Studies, established in the university for the teaching of the Samoan language and culture, offers undergraduate and graduate degrees as well as the world's first degree in Master of Samoan Studies.[1]

National University of Samoa
Le Iunivesite Aoao o Samoa
MottoSamoan: Ia Ao Samoa
"Let there be light on Samoa"[1]
TypePublic
Established1984
PresidentProfessor Alec Ekeroma
Administrative staff
300[2]
Students2,000 (2010)[2]
Location
Apia
,
Samoa
ColorsSilver, Dark Royal Blue and Light Blue      
Websitewww.nus.edu.ws

The National University of Samoa has the distinction of being one of two universities in Samoa. The second is the University of the South Pacific - Alafua Campus which specializes in Agriculture. The campus was built in part with funding from the Government of Japan. It is built around the largest Fale Samoa in the world.

History

The National University of Samoa was established in 1984 by an Act of parliament. Its first degree, the Bachelor of Education, was launched in 1987. A year later, the Bachelor of Arts degree was introduced. The first graduates in both programs were awarded their degrees in 1990.

Soon after, the Faculty of Commerce and the Faculty of Science were established. The Samoan Health Department's School of Nursing was merged into the university in 1993 as the Faculty of Nursing, and the Western Samoa Teacher's College was merged during 1997 as the Faculty of Education.

The Institute of Samoan Studies was established in 1999; its name was changed in 2005 to the Centre for Samoan Studies. In 2006, Samoa Polytechnic merged into the university as the Institute of Technology.[3]

A former professor of Samoan Studies at the university is Aiono Fanaafi Le Tagaloa, a Samoan chief (matai) with a PhD from the University of London.[4] Aiono is also the founder and president of the Indigenous University of Samoa (Le Iunivesite o le Amosa o Savavau), established in 1997.[5]

Academics

NUS's academic offerings include programs from eight faculties and schools:[6]

South Pacific Games

The university's gymnasium was used as a venue for the 2007 South Pacific Games and the accommodation areas were made available to the New Caledonia team.

References
  1. "National University of Samoa: About the University". Retrieved 31 July 2010.
  2. "National University of Samoa: About NUS". Retrieved 31 July 2010.
  3. "National University of Samoa: History". Retrieved 2009-01-16.
  4. Lawson, Stephanie (1996). Tradition versus democracy in the South Pacific: Fiji, Tonga, and Western Samoa. Cambridge University Press. p. 150. ISBN 9780521496384.
  5. "The Samoan Identity - O Le Tagata ma lona Faasinomaga" (PDF). University of Otago, NZ. Archived from the original (PDF) on 9 June 2011. Retrieved 11 January 2010.
  6. "National University of Samoa: About the University". Retrieved 2009-01-16.

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