K2m set to fund tertiary students

 The East Sepik provincial government has approved K2 million to help pay tuition fees for Sepik students attending universities and other tertiary institutions in the country.

East Sepik Deputy Governor Ian Samuel said the provincial government made the decision recently and it was up to its administration to fulfil the commitment.

He said the money was to help subsidise fees for Sepik students who passed a set criteria because the province wanted a return on its investment.

The provincial government is considering setting up a scheme called “Sir Michael Somare Scholarship Scheme” which is part of his retirement assistance to the people of East Sepik for the support they gave to him during his political career.

Parents of students who had fought for assistance earlier this year said educational institutions, including the Divine Word University’s St Benedict Campus in Wewak would not accept students with outstanding fees to enrol for the second semester next month and the provincial government assistance should come quickly.

Samuel said the provincial government did not keep the money but approved the payment of K2 million for the students.

He said acting provincial administrator Elisabeth Kaprangi and her officers would process the payment when funds were available.

Kaprangi could not be reached for comment as she was out of the province.