Sir Michael to attend Vundal graduation

SIR Michael Somare is expected to present the keynote address at the 13th annual graduation ceremony of the University of Papua New Guinea Natural Resources and Environment department today outside Kerevat, East New Britain province.
Guest speaker will be Professor David Kavanamur, chairman of the National Strategic Plan Task force that produced the PNG Vision 2050.
The Prime Minister’s presence adds significance to the annual ceremony which, for the first time, is being held in the beginning of the year unlike the traditional November ceremonies held previously.
Students from both of the university’s campuses,Vudal and Popondetta, will receive their qualifications.
Damien Toki will graduate with a master’s degree in management while 13 of his postgraduate course mates will receive graduate certificates in management.
In the undergraduate stream, 23 students will receive bachelor degrees of tropical agriculture, while 89 students will receive diplomas in tropical agriculture.
The students were originally scheduled to graduate two weeks ago, however, the ceremony was deferred after acting secretary of the Department of Prime Minister and National Executive Council and Pro-Chancellor Margaret Elias advised Vice-Chancellor Professor Philip Siaguru of the Prime Minister’s desire to personally attend the event.
Preparations for Sir Michael’s visit have not been restricted to the university.
Local communities have cleaned up the road and students from several primary schools have indicated that they will line up along the road with flags to welcome Sir Michael this morning as he travels to the campus.