Government will support private institutions, minister says

THE Government will support private institutions in the education system as long as they meet national standards requirements, says Higher Education, Research, Science and Technology Minister Nick Kuman.
Kuman told Parliament yesterday that private universities and colleges would be accredited if they satisfied all the requirements.
He was responding to a suggestion by Yangoru-Saussia MP Richard Maru that the Boram Nursing School established by the Boram Hospital management be closed.
Kuman said the school would not be closed but required to meet the standard requirements.
“We will ensure that those who comply with the laws will be allowed to be built and run, and that includes the Boram Nursing College,” he said.
“I will be meeting with the Health Department to find a solution to this problem which is an ongoing one.”
Kuman said the school was established by the hospital without informing his ministry.
“The protocols and standards were not met so the Higher Education Department wrote to the provincial government,” he said.
“I am also aware that the PNG Nursing Council which looks at the standards and regulations of nursing schools have visited the schools three times and that the nursing school failed to meet the minimum standards. But this Government is open to and will encourage private institutions that will provide more spaces in the higher education. The school will remain but they must now meet the standards.”