Solomon Islands (SI) students studying at the University of the South Pacific (USP) Laucala campus have welcomed the announcement of the development of a USP SI campus.

USP vice-chancellor and president Prof Rajesh Chandra said the university was on track with the development of a new campus for the Solomon Islands.

The University of the South Pacific Students Association (USPSA) vice-president Anthony Maelasi said it was one of the best news to the students.

“This development will have positive impacts on the students because it will offer them employment opportunities in the future after they complete their studies.

“The region is open and people from our regional countries will have the chance to come and work in the Solomon Islands as long as they have qualifications,” he said.

The Fiji-based Solomon Islands Students Association (SISA) president Richard Housiho said it was a welcoming news not only to Solomon Islands but also to the regional students.

“It will also help other regional students broaden their knowledge about Solomon Islands when they have the chance to study in Solomon Islands,” he said.

He said completion of the new campus would help future SI students to study in their home country.

Work on the new campus should be completed by the end of 2018.