Apia, Samoa |17 September 2026 – The Government of Samoa and Japan, through their longstanding bilateral partnership, have marked the groundbreaking of a major project to improve facilities at the National University of Samoa’s Faculty of Health Science (FOHS).
The project represents a significant investment in Samoa’s health education infrastructure and will provide modern facilities to provide an improved environment for teaching, learning and training the next generation of health professionals.
The groundbreaking ceremony, held at the NUS campus today, brought together the Representatives of the Government of Samoa, National University of Samoa, the Embassy of Japan, JICA, Yamashita Sekkei Inc, Konoike Construction Co. Ltd and local contractors, marking the commencement of an important phase in the development of the Faculty of Health Science.
The ceremony opened with a devotion led by Rev. Malotau Lafolafoga, followed by keynote remarks from Hon. Prime Minister La’aulialemalietoa Leuatea Polataivao Fosi Schmidt.
In his remarks, the Prime Minister reflected on the vision of Samoa’s founding leaders in establishing a university for Samoa and highlighted the importance of continuing that vision through investments that prepare younger generations for the future.
“This was the vision put in place by the four founding fathers of Samoa, to establish a university for Samoa,” the Prime Minister said.
He described the project as an important milestone for the health sector, particularly in strengthening opportunities for the education and development of Samoa’s younger generation. “The past mission built today, and today will build tomorrow,” he said.
His Excellency Ryotaro Suzuki, Ambassador of Japan to Samoa, also addressed the ceremony on behalf of the Government and People of Japan, highlighting Japan’s support for Samoa’s development and the bilateral cooperation that has contributed to the progress of the project.
The Vice-Chancellor and President of NUS acknowledged the strong partnership between Samoa and Japan, recognising the bilateral cooperation that has made the project possible and contributed to the significance of the groundbreaking.
The improvement of facilities at the Faculty of Health Science is expected to further support NUS’s role in developing skilled human resources for Samoa’s health sector and strengthening the University’s contribution to national development.
