University of Goroka (UOG)

The students were initially granted K50,000 in funding by Nawaeb District earlier this year under special circumstances related to their accommodation at UOG. Last week, during the university's closing function, these students exhibited transparency and accountability by returning the allocated funds to the district.

Representatives from the Nawaeb District Development Authority (DDA), Church, and Youth, Eric Mantaung and Jimmy Amati, attended the event on behalf of MP Theo Pelgen.

He said all students have to pay 60 percent of the total fees to register this year.

Dr Waniga pointed out that last year was a challenging year with pressure from the Covid-19 pandemic, national Election and 6.7 magnitude earthquake. However he noted that the University managed to end the academic year smoothly.

On other related issues, all dormitories remain damaged with a need for funding to cater for temporary accommodation but the administration is still waiting for the funding.

Recently 25 participants graduated with Bachelor under the IDFL School Management program whilst almost 300 graduated with Diplomas in Early Childhood Education.

A first for the three provinces of Chimbu, Jiwaka, and Mt Hagen; a good number of individuals, from a cross-section of early childhood providers, made the effort to make the day memorable.

Described as a double event, under the PKS project it was possible for early childhood trainers to receive not only their Diplomas but also the good news that they will now be finally on the government payroll.

As part of my administrative roles, I am also the executive director of the Somare Research Institute, which is a new research institute set up to promote all research activities at the university. 

I returned from my doctorate studies from the Queensland University of Technology where I was sponsored by the Australian government for a PHD study. After my studies overseas, I felt the immediate need to give something back to the community.

Acting Secretary Dr. Francis Hualupmomi, during the recent 25th graduation ceremony said UOG’s focus and mandate now should be on teacher education and the step program.

“The government is now focused on building the human resources through higher and technical institutions.

“Higher and Technical Education Reform Act 2020 and subsequent amendments to the four state university ACTs which also includes the University of Goroka,” he added.  

This was his comments when he officially signed the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with University of Goroka yesterday. In the MoA the University will be running a four year Bachelor of Education (Primary) program phasing out the two year diploma programs previously run.

These affiliation processes are part of the National Executive Council (NEC) decision (54/1995) that requires higher education institutions to be unified by transferring post grade 12 and tertiary programs from respective departments to the Department of Higher Education Research, Science and Technology (DHERST).

A small team from UOG met with the Provincial Administrator, Lamilla Pawut and his team said they were thankful for the foresight by acting Vice Chancellor, Dr Teng Waninga, in announcing that Kavieng could be the New Guinea Islands regional open campus starting next year.

This is because of its central location and the recent expansions in the province.

Pioneering the dialogue is Dr Kapa Kelep Malpo, former Executive Dean of Education with the University of Goroka now Chairlady of the New Ireland Provincial Education board.

The cash of K12,808 was handed over to the Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Joseph Apa on Wednesday 24^th of November in Goroka.

The students were able to raise the amount through wheelbarrow push in the respective towns where the universities are located.  

Their intention is to assist the EHPHA to upgrade the Goroka Base Hospital with the development of an oxygen plant for COVID-19 patients and other patients who require medical oxygen for treatment.

Since 2016, the YAP has done well to educate the young in understanding social issues in the country through physical and oral storytelling, with hopes to inspire social confidence and self-awareness in this new generation.

This year, through this wonderful partnership, YAP has reached yet another level with teachers and former UOG-YAP participants teaching grade nine students in high schools in Port Moresby, bringing them to attend YAP at the Moresby Arts Theatre.

The UOG NPC Special Procurement Committee, chaired by UOG Vice Chancellor Professor Musawe Sinebare, comprised of twelve members and is indeed the largest committee members sworn in by the NPC.