UOG eyes partnering with NSI

 By ZACHERY PER

THE expanding University of Goroka is seriously considering off-loading some of its academic programmes to institutions affiliated with it, Vice Chancellor Dr Gairo Onagi says.

Onagi said that after presenting a new tread mill to the National Sports Institute in Goroka, Eastern Highlands, to strengthen ties.

Physical education and health students at UOG often use facilities at the institute under a memorandum of understanding.

In addition, Onagi made a K50,000 commitment for the facelift of the neglected tennis court at the sporting institute.

“NSI and UOG have historical relationships; we are committed to maintaining this by helping out. NSI may have the facility but may not have the money, let’s work together under the MoU,” Onagi said.

He said instead of being affiliates, they could amalgamate in much bigger ways to allow NSI to become a school of its own under UOG.

“The school can be headed by an executive dean, we are seriously considering such options as I’m happy to see that our relationship has a bigger potential to flourish in a much bigger way,” he said.

He said UOG was the fastest growing university in the country and some programmes could be offloaded affiliated institutions.

Institute director, Edris Kumbruwah thanked UOG and Onagi for donating the tread mill, which cost K15,000 and the commitment for K50,000.

He said the relationship between the two institutions had come a long way and that further enhancements were needed to encourage more developments.

The elite rugby league schoolboys camping in Goroka under the PNG Rugby League Foundation were the first to use the tread mill in training on Tuesday evening.