PM address recent violence and drugs with NUS Students & Staff

By Jeannie Penehuro/

Apia, SAMOA – 7 August 2026 – In a packed meeting with students and staff of the National University midday yesterday, Prime Minister La’aulialemalietoa Leuatea Polataivao Fosi Schmidt firmly urged students to stop the violence following recent brawls on the campus.

The fighting required police intervention and investigation.

The Prime Minister expressed disappointment over the recent violence, saying it does not reflect the Samoan values of respect expected from the country’s top educational institution.

He also reminded students that N.U.S. was established in 1984 with only 42 students and now, it serves about 4,000 students and has taught and produced many of Samoa’s leaders since its inception.

He reminded the students that the campus is named after the rock, Papaigalagala where the Samoan warrior defeated a giant and secured the fire that brought a new beginning to life in Samoa.

“So this institution is a symbol and a spring of good things to help develop the country and our people,” the Prime Minister also said it was the reason why the Samoan leaders who founded the university chose the name for the NUS Campus.

Some of the NUS students during the packed meeting.

The Prime Minister encouraged students to stay dedicated to their studies and avoid negative influences such as violence, drugs, and alcohol and emphasized that students should show maturity, respect, and good character.”

He also pointed out that their families, villages, and the district councils are paying for some of the students tuition as investment in their future and are praying for their success.

He praised university leaders and teachers for their hard work and urged students to set a positive example for future students.

Police addressing the NUS students and staff.

He warned that violence harms the university’s reputation, especially with international institutions watching Samoa’s education system and emphasized that such behaviour have no place in the university environment.

The Prime Minister called for unity and respect among students, reminding them that once they are at N.U.S., they are all students of the same institution.

He also asked for the lecturers and staff’s patience and who sometimes err and he referred to a recent incident where a staff member was implicated in the presence of illegal drugs on campus.

The Vice-Chancellor and President of NUS, Tuifuisa’a Dr. Patila Malua Amosa with some of the academic staff of the National University of Samoa after the meeting. 

The Vice-Chancellor and President of NUS, Tuifuisa’a Dr. Patila Malua Amosa, shared that each student receives a calendar during Orientation Week.

The calendar clearly outlines the rules and regulations regarding student conduct that will be taught at NUS, as well as the proper dress code.

The University makes it clear that violence and behaviour that break the Student Code of Conduct will not be allowed and will be dealt with accordingly.

The Police also addressed and explained the law and the need for all students to respect and abide by the law.