UPNG begins orientation

 THE 2016 academic year for the University of Papua New Guinea started yesterday with the orientation of first-year students in the main lecture theatre at the Waigani campus.

Higher Education, Research, Science and Technology Minister Malakai Tabar was the guest at the orientation progamme which was attended by senior academic and administration staff.

He outlined two main challenges of quality and access, which the higher and technical education sector was facing. 

“The Government recognises that higher education, science and technology are significant aspects for our nation’s scio-economic growth and development,” Tabar said. 

He said the department would be undertaking a review of the national qualifications framework to ensure qualifications of universities and colleges in the country were consistent and transferable within PNG and internationally recognised. 

Responding to reports on spaces at UPNG and school leavers missing out on selection despite scoring high marks in the Grade 12 national examinations, Tabar said his department was aware of their concerns and would address them.

He said the sector would respond next year with improved tertiary admissions and selections to ensure clarity, transparency and fairness in the selection process.

However, he said: “It must be known that the Government will not be able to provide study opportunities for all Grade 12 graduates who are qualified and wish to undertake tertiary studies.”