WNU eyed to become 1st university in STI’s network of schools

MANILA, Philippines - After years of opening and operating 85 colleges all over the country, STI may soon have a full-fledged university in its vast network of private schools in the Philippines.

This after STI Education Systems Holdings (STI Holdings) president Monico Jacob said plans are underway to incorporate the name of STI to the school it recently acquired in Bacolod City, the West Negros University (WNU).

“The synergy we want to have between STI and WNU is very strong. In fact, we intend to put the name of ‘STI’ in the university,” he said. Jacob said he already informed the WNU administration and faculty of this plan during his visit there last week.

Although WNU is the first university to carry the name STI, Jacob said it is actually the second university STI Holdings included in its roster of schools because the company has also invested in UNLAD Resources Development Corp. which, in turn, manages the Philippine Women’s University.

Jacob said along the change of name, STI Holdings’ acquisition of WNU will also be marked by upgrades both in the facilities and academic programs of the university.

Among the first set of improvements to be implemented are the construction of new computer laboratories, upgrade of classrooms, and the putting up of wi-fi zones in the non-classroom areas.

“There will be quick wins. We can already implement some physical improvements within the next two months such as the purchase and upgrade of equipment and computers of all of the offices, the wi-fi access, and the rehabilitation of facilities. We will also be able to see what kind of facade we will construct once the architects start presenting the designs to us,” Jacob said.

He also said the changes will also cover other aspects of the university such as the academics, the faculty roster, scholarships, and even its athletics program.

“We’re looking at the entire university from the point of view of preserving what is already a good practice there and upgrading what needs to be improved. It will be a continuing thing,” he said.

STI Holdings also intends to capitalize on the academic strengths of the university, such as maritime transportation and criminal justice. Jacob said this means the company will put up modern simulators for maritime transport, swimming pool, and firing range.

Last Oct. 1 STI Holdings formally executed a deed of absolute sale with the Agustin family, former owners of WNU, for a 99.45% stake in the university.

“The acquisition of a controlling stake in WNU Corp. will enable STI Holdings to expand its network of educational institutions as well as its course offerings at the tertiary level,” STI Holdings said in a disclosure to the Philippine Stock Exchange issued the same day.

Mr. Jacob said the acquisition of WNU—the second largest university in Bacolod City—is very ideal for STI holdings because of the school’s reputation and the diverse course offerings it has.

The university has an impressive post graduate program. Jacob said its graduate school program on education is ideal for STI faculty members in the South who wish to upgrade their credentials.

At present, WNU has a total of 5,077 students. Jacob said with the improvements STI Holdings is set to implement, it aims to increase the number of enrolees to its full capacity of about 12,000 students.