APIA (Samoa Observer/PINA) — Samoa’s Oceania University of Medicine has struck difficulties one month after it was officially opened, losing its acting dean, Professor Don Wilbur.
An American, Wilbur was also the school’s head of basic sciences. He has returned to the U.S. and is reported to have resigned.
Dr. Satupaitea Viali, who lectures on clinical studies, is reported to be the only senior academic staff currently at the university.
The launch of the school, which targets international students, followed the failure of a similar but unconnected medical school venture in neighboring Niue.
Eight overseas students are currently believed to be mainly doing independent research work at Oceania University of Medicine.
The university had said it would make extensive use of the Internet in delivering programs to students.
