Demand increasing for more universities

 CONCERNS about students not being selected for university studies despite good grades highlight a very important point.

The Department of Higher Education and the universities must take note of such grievances as this is an ongoing problem. 

Why are existing universities not expanding their reach to the public?

What happened to the University of PNG’s Open Campus and University Centre concept?

 Is it functioning and if it is, how efficient is it? 

The Open Campus and University idea started with provincial governments and other stakeholders supporting. 

But today I hear mixed stories of whatever is left of this great concept with students’ marks and transcripts not returned on time from the main campus etc. 

University of Technology also had the Department of Open and Distance Learning along the same lines. 

The government of Prime Minister Peter O’Neill unanimously passed the Western Pacific University Act in 2014 to start this university in Pangia, Southern Highlands Province, so that more students can enroll. 

I commend the O’Neill Government for this proposed university as a parent and guardian of students who missed out on enrolment in the existing universities due to limited spaces.

Media reports say construction work on the new technological university will start early this year and I salute the Government for this important investment in higher education.

I also urge the O’Neill Government to support the Evangelical Lutheran Church of PNG to ensure the Lutheran University in Lae gets off the ground. 

After all the oil, gas and minerals run out in the next 50 years, we will be left with nothing except the people.

PM O’Neill is correct in forging ahead to build the Western Pacific University as this can spur on further development and also leave behind a sustainable legacy.

We Papua New Guineans need to think outside our tribal and ethnic circles and see new initiatives such as the WPU as for the collective benefit for all of us. 

Hela Igini

Port Moresby