PNG Higher Education Minister Raminai remains committed in reforming Higher Education Sector7/27/2021
MINISTER for Higher Education, Research, Science and Technology, Hon Wesley Raminai is very committed that the higher education sector is revived and reformed through innovative interventions to restore accessibility, quality and relevance. To achieve this, Mr Raminai during his short period of time as Minister responsible for the sector has seriously implemented the Higher and Technical Education Reform Act 2020 that was passed by the Parliament early 2020. This Reform Act was passed to ensure unified higher education system in Papua New Guinea is achieved. The Reform Act also gives the Minister extensive powers to intervene in the operation, management, and governance of higher learning institutions in defined circumstances. Under the reforms, all higher and technical institutions offering post-secondary education were said to be transferred to the Department of Higher Education, Research, Science, and Technology.
These include teachers’ colleges, technical colleges, and other institutions and functions under various departments such as Departments of Education, Agriculture and Livestock, Transport, Labour and Induatrial Relations and National Fisheries Authority. In other words, the Act was passed to allow all institutions to operate under a unified regulatory and administrative framework under DHERST. This includes transfer of private training institutions formerly regulated under the National Training Council Act to the Ministry and DHERST. Also under this reform, institutions were said to be properly funded, their infrastructure upgraded in line with national targeted development needs, and DHERST was mandated to be responsible for developing curriculum to ensure capacity building of the institutions and improving the quality of education and training are realised. Minister Raminai after being appointed as HERST Minister under Marape-Basil Government didn't waste his time in implementing this reform agenda. On the 30th of May, 2021, Minister Raminai issued a gazettal notice in media pertaining the smooth transition of higher and technical institutions. Immediately after the notice was issued, the Acting Secretary for the DHERST, Dr Francis Hualupmomi has advised the Department's staff to get to regional centers and work closely with the affected institutions for a smooth transfer. As such, the management and staff of the DHERST had begun work already on this reform and it is evident in the ongoing internal workshops nationwide. The Reform and Transition work is currently under the leadership of the Acting Secretary, Dr Francis Drake Hualupmomi On Monday 26th July 2021, a two-day Southern Region Reform Workshop on this reform agenda was also held at Laguna Hotel in Port Moresby. The workshop was held amongst Heads of Higher Education Institutions, Council Members, Provincial Education Advisors, Representatives from Australian High Commission and DHERST Acting Secretary and Staff. Minister Raminai who remains committed to this reform agenda was at the closing day of the workshop to give his closing remarks. Raminai expressed his sincere gratitude to all the participants of the two-day workshop. "I would like to particularly thank you all for your openness in discussing issues and challenges during the two-day workshop. We have taken note of all your comments and suggestions," Minister Raminai acknowledged. The Minister said it was indeed a job well done. He also stated that DHERST including all stakeholders need to continue to implement the Reform activities under the following five key result areas: Governance, Budget Transfer, Human Resources, Digitalization & Support Systems and Registration & Accreditation of Private Providers. "Let us aim to increase access and equity in higher and technical Education, improve and develop teaching quality and curriculum, look at enhancing institutional governance, leadership and management, and aim to increase the number and quality of graduates contributing to economic and social development". The Minister said that Prime Minister James Marape is also passionate about this reform agenda and that his Government remains committed to reforming Higher Education Sector. "There is no turning back in this exercise as this is of national interest". Acting Secretary for the DHERST, Dr Francis Hualupmomi thanked Minister Raminai for driving the Higher Education sector with many new changes within short period of time. "Minister Raminai is one of the high performing Ministers in the Marape-Basil government. We all must work together to the Minister to drive this sector to next level". ENDS! Photos from the two-day Southern Region Workshop at Laguan Hotel (26th July to 27th July, 2021). Comments are closed.
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