The Congregational Christian Church Samoa's Theological College at Malua has revealed the names of 18 successful candidates who have passed its annual entrance exam on Monday. 

The Principal of Malua Theological College, Revered Dr. Vaitusi Nofoaiga named entrants who passed the annual entrance exam that took place in August of this year. They are hoping to start in February 2024. 

Passing the exam does not mean an automatic entry to Malua Theological College. 

The next step for the successful candidates is the Tautinoga, which is a stringent interview process to test character, attitudes, and the behavior of the successful candidates. 

The ta'utigona will be conducted in January next year by the High Council of the C.C.C.S. and the Elders Committee to test the character and attitude of the successful candidates before they can officially enter the college. 

The criteria also includes a medical certificate to ensure candidates have a clean bill of health before they begin their four-year journey at Malua.

The Tautinoga is usually held in January before the academic year starts and it is usually conducted by the elders of the church who are also members of the Board of Malua. 

The number of successful candidates has dropped this year compared to the number of those who successfully passed the entrance exam last year and were accepted in Malua this year. 

Last year, 28 candidates passed the entrance exam and passed the Tautinoga and are now first year students in Malua. 

Of the 18 successful candidates, seven are from Australia, 10 are from Upolu and one from Savai'i. 

There are no entrants from New Zealand, Hawai'i and America for this year. 

The list also named the Nepo brothers, Misionare and Nepo Mani Nepo, who both sat the Malua entrance exam in Australia. 

Their parents, Reverend Mani and Sareta Nepo are currently serving at the C.C.C.S. parish in Fatuvalu Safune and their older brother Fa'afetai Nepo graduated from Malua Theological College in 2021. 

The successful candidates are Chesedh Lafi Tiatia, Eurnik Nicholas Lee Hang, Iakopo Leleimalefaga, Ioane Lemo, Lole Pokati Tiumalu, Lynn Enesa Talalelei, Misionare Nepo, Nepo Mani Nepo, Peleseuma Mose, Ponepi Tolua, Reupena Itereamu, Seth Peniata, Steve Ale, Talalelei Atalaga Nanai, Tavita Papali'i, Tui Fitiao and Wesley Liaina.