The National University of Samoa recorded a loss of $4.72 million tala - about $US1.6 million - in the financial year to June 2021.

The annual report for the year to June 2021 has just been released after being submitted to the Samoan Parliament earlier this year.

According to the report, accumulated losses stood at $2.4 million tala in the previous financial year.

The report also said that despite the many challenges faced while implementing the University's current corporate plan, it was able to achieve its priorities.

Vice chancellor, Aiono Alec Ekeroma, said in the report the year under review was given to the "coordination of necessary activities and projects focused on infrastructural and strategic priorities urgently needed to enhance the provision of efficient and effective services to the University's increasing student population".

"As well, a lot of time and effort was devoted to the necessary preparations for the realisation of some of the University's development via its programmes/courses and services, especially at this timeframe of working under Covid-19 restrictions."

Aiono stated that given the level of preparatory activities during this period, it is anticipated that the University will witness the achievements of scheduled development projects in the next reporting period. continued to achieve significant milestones in the progression of its development in line with the revised NUS Corporate Plan 2017/2018-2020/2021.