Uni to offer heritage studies

 By ZACHERY PER

THE University of Goroka will include heritage studies under the Indigenous and Development Studies programme.

This follows the signing of a memorandum of agreement between the university and the National Museum and Art Gallery.

University vice-chancellor Dr Gairo Onagi and museum director Dr Andrew Moutu signed the agreement at the Dr Mark Solon auditorium last Friday.

The current diploma course will be absorbed into a Bachelor of Arts degree programme. Teaching staff will be provided by the museum.

Associate Professor Michael Mel said under the new university restructure, they want to revisit the programmes such as museum studies. 

“The heritage studies will offer degree programmes like those offered in developed countries around the world,” he said. 

“It is part of working in partnership with the different institutions to provide the best.”

Mel thanked Moutu for allowing three university graduates to work for National Museum and Arts Gallery.

Onagi wants a journal created for the preservation of culture which the two institutions can drive to ensure the preservation of knowledge for future generations.

“Since we cannot take our artifacts and knowledge out, a journal can and intensify research activities,” he said.

“Findings can end up at conferences and even be published in the journal.”