Cabinet appoints new CEOs for Education and Health

By Lagi Keresoma

APIA, SAMOA – 30 NOVEMBER 2022: Cabinet has appointed a former Pro Chancellor of the National University of Samoa, Aeau Christopher Hazelman and the immediate past Vice Chancellor of the same institution, Professor Aiono Dr. Alec Ekeroma to head two Government ministries.

Aeau is the new Chief Executive Officer for the Ministry of Education, Sports & Culture (MESC) and Aiono takes over the Ministry of Health.

The appointments are for 3 years and were announced today.

Aeau is a career educator that served for 29 years as a teacher, a school Principal and as Head of the Catholic Mission schools.

He also served as the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the National University of Samoa for seven years from 2014 to 2021.

He is a graduate of the University of the South Pacific where he holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Geography and Sociology, and also a Postgraduate –Education degree.

The new Chief Executive for the Ministry of Health has a strong professional background in Health.

Professor Aiono Dr. Alec Ekeroma holds a PhD degree in Building Health Research and Capacity of Clinicians from the University of Auckland and MBA Health Management and Planning from Keele University in England.

He was also a graduate from the University of Auckland with a Diploma in Obstetrics and Gynecology.

He has served in various capacities in the areas of Health Care since 1986 and had served as Vice-Chancellor of the National University of Samoa, prior to his appointment today.