UPDATED The government has officially approved the appointment of Dr. Tu’ipulotu Katonga as the first Pro-Chancellor of Tonga National University (TNU).
The announcement was made today by the Deputy Prime Minister, Dr. Taniela Fusimalohi, following a Cabinet meeting.
The TNU, which was officially inaugurated by the Crown Prince in January 2023, represents a major consolidation of Tonga’s tertiary education resources.
The university’s leadership comprises: the king, who serves as Chancellor, and Dr. Masaso Paunga, who serves as Vice-Chancellor.
Established by the legal mandate of The Tonga National University Act, the Government is obliged by law to ensure the establishment and prudent management of the TNU.
As such, six government-owned higher education institutions have merged to form a hybrid university – offering both academic and vocational study programs.”
The newly formed TNU is a comprehensive institution comprising five faculties.
It delivers over 50 programs ranging from certificates and diplomas to degrees.
This diverse portfolio is designed to directly meet the skills and knowledge-based demands of both the Tongan domestic employment market and to harness opportunities from overseas labour demands.
