UOG graduates urged to help build nation

MINISTER for Labour and Employment Kessy Sawang has challenged more than 700 content cohort students graduating at the University of Goroka (UOG) to be productive contributors towards nation-building.
“Your university experience is not just acquiring knowledge but comes with cultivating critical thinking, fostering creativity and nurturing values to guide you into your future.
“You now assume the responsibility of contributing towards nation building and shaping our nation,” Sawang said.
She said accessibility to education in PNG was limited, but the quality of education they would impart would matters the most as many children in school had no access to resources such as computers, internet, or even electricity for light to study at night.
Sawang said they were privileged to have this opportunity with greater responsibility to provide quality education for nation-building.
“You must have a purpose, with passion be good at what you do as there is no automatic entitlement so put God first in whatever you do in your job and in life,” she said.
Vice-chancellor Dr Teng Waninga said similar graduation ceremonies will take place in UOG campuses in other centres, including the Honiara campus in Solomon Island.
He said this year the university had the highest number of student graduating.
Waninga said they were now issued with degrees and diplomas with provisional teacher certification.
“You have come through tough times with the Coronavirus and the earthquake that destroyed and damaged the student dormitories.
“You stood firm to come this far to graduate and I applaud you all,” he said.
UOG chancellor Joe Wemin said for the teachers, the Teaching Service Commission, was the major employer, but if they were unfortunate to secure a job, then they should consider self-employment.
“Once you get employed, be productive and be an agent of change and be good ambassadors of UOG,” Wemin said.
Two students graduating under higher degrees in postgraduate studies were Siove Akus Ellendora and Yambo Phantica.
Meanwhile, UOG last week began its registration for the 2024 academic year.
Student services staff were busy registering new incoming Grade 12 students last Tuesday (Feb 6).
“Continuing students would register next week.
“No registration would be accepted after that.
“Classes will begin in two weeks,” a senior staff said.