THE National Executive Council last week approved the creation of the Science and Technology Council.
Minister for Higher Education, Research, Science and Technology Michael Ogio made this announcement last Monday evening during the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) talk-back programme in Port Moresby.
Mr Ogio said this newly created council would help the present Government to enhance Papua New Guniea’s higher education sector, particular through emphasis within the areas of research, science and technology.
“Its ultimate aim would be to boost the sector’s growth, also ensuring that the manpower produced in the sector meets future demands of the forward planning and development of PNG as a nation.
“We are also taking into account the Government’s goals and principles,” he said.
He added that it (the council) would help to steer the future of the higher education.
“Especially, the direction of science and technology into the future,” Mr Ogio said, while expressing gratitude over the NEC’s approval of the sector’s new council.
“The PNG’s Higher Education plan and its future goals and objectives must be in line with the ultimate aims and objectives of the Government’s medium and long-term development goals.”
He added that his officers within the Higher Education sector were planning and currently in the process of ensuring that the sectors plans were achievable within the framework of the Government’s medium and long-term goals and principles.
Mr Ogio stressed that better management of universities was highly essential, “as it ensures good harmony within the university communities so that students and the university’s staff work in harmony for a fruitful turn-out in educating the students.
He added that good management also avoids distractions and contributes to a good relationship between the students and the universities.