"The expanded version of this paper will look into the beneficial aspects of certain customary education practices and why their importance, combined with oral learning techniques, needs to be recognized at an early stage in the formation of Vanuatu’s proposed university. It will also look into the pros and cons of a modern educational approach in Vanuatu, bearing in mind the importance of respecting, maintaining and promoting ni-Vanuatu linguistic and cultural diversity, respect for traditional leadership, the traditional copyright systems of the northern half of the archipelago as well as other forms of customary writing (on the ground, in the air) as well as looking into ni-Vanuatu initiatives in developing new forms of writing and ‘kastom edukesen’. These are all important elements for the ennoblement of real identity. Moreover, in view of the current worldwide health and economic crises, it is relevant more than ever to ask: ‘What is modern education really for?’ There are big topics and questions. This abstract is but ‘the tip of the pig’s tusk’ (which those educated following the European way might call ‘’the tip of the iceberg’)".