The National University of Vanuatu (NUV) has officially celebrated the graduation of 15 cybersecurity trainees from 10 Pacific Island countries under the Certificate in Pathways to Cybersecurity in Pacific Islands program.
From a press release it states that the initiative, delivered through a partnership between NUV, the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), and the Asia Pacific Network Information Centre (APNIC), was supported by the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications of Japan.
The official handing-over ceremony was officiated by Ms. Cherol Ala, Director General of the Ministry of Education and Training and Chair of the NUV Council, on behalf of NUV Chancellor, H.E. Nikenike Vurobaravu, President of the Republic of Vanuatu.
A key highlight of the event was the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between NUV Vice-Chancellor, Mr. Jean-Pierre Nirua, and Mr. John Jack, Director of the Department of Communications and Digital Transformation (DCDT). The MoU strengthens cooperation on cybersecurity development, digital skills, research collaboration, and national capacity-building.
The cybersecurity programme spans five months and is designed for early-career professionals from across the Pacific. After 19 weeks of intensive virtual learning, participants travelled to Port Vila for the second phase—an in-person practical training conducted at the NUV campus from 1 December 2025. Experts from ITU, APNIC, and NUV delivered the hands-on components, focusing on practical skills essential for enhancing cyber resilience across the region.
Speaking at the ceremony, Vice-Chancellor Mr. Nirua highlighted the increasing importance of cybersecurity in protecting communities, institutions, infrastructure, and personal rights.
“Today’s ceremony highlights the critically important role that cybersecurity must play in our region and societies,” he said. “I warmly congratulate all 15 students for their commitment. The partnership agreement signed today strengthens our collaboration with DCDT and ITU as we work together to build a safer digital future for Vanuatu and the Pacific.”
Ms. Cherol Ala also commended the collaborative effort behind the programme:
“We express deep gratitude to the Government of Japan for their generous funding, and to APNIC and ITU for their invaluable contribution. A university is a place to treasure—a place to nurture the minds that will shape our future.”
NUV reaffirmed its commitment to advancing cybersecurity education, supporting Pacific cooperation, and empowering the next generation of digital professionals.
The university’s development and training initiatives align with the Vanuatu People’s Plan, the Vanuatu Education and Training Sector Strategic Plan, and the National Human Resource Development Plan 2020–2030.
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