Dept tightens process: Raminai

Education

By PHOEBE GWANGILO
THE Department of Higher Education, Research, Science and Technology will ensure tertiary institutions around the country, both public and private, adhere to providing quality education, minister Wesley Raminai says.
“My ministry is tightening up the gate-keeping process for the provision of higher education to avoid mushrooming of institution all over the country,” he said.
Raminai issued a certificate of registration to the Institute of Business Studies University (IBSU) at Mt Eriama Campus, Port Moresby, on Friday.
The certification allows IBSU to operate as a private university in the country.
“Going forward under my ministry, there will be fees and charges imposed to any institution not complying,” Ramina said.
“They will be charge fines that will also attract imprisonment.
“My ministry is working to addressing the issue of access and quality of higher education in this country.
“Hence, I’d like to congratulate IBS University for adhering to the compliance requirements required, under the Higher Education General Provision Act 2014.
“The university underwent a very rigorous external review or audit process.
“The audit conducted by an overseas panel, assessed the academic status of IBS University.
“Based on the report, the National Higher and Technical Education Board recommended the registration pursuant to Section 117 of the Act. The process is completed now and I am privileged to be the minster at this time to deliver this important announcement.
“As the minister responsible, I take this opportunity to announce to the public in general that IBS University is legally established.”
He said students could now benefit from the Government’s tertiary education study assistance scheme and higher education loan programme.