PNG's Public Service University Push Gains Ground with UPNG-SILAG MoU

PNG's Public Service University Push Gains Ground with UPNG-SILAG MoU

A long-anticipated plan to give Papua New Guinea a standalone university for public servants has taken a concrete turn, with land tenure arrangements now locked in through a formal agreement between two of the country's most established education bodies.

Officials from the University of Papua New Guinea (UPNG) and the Somare Institute of Leadership and Governance (SILAG) gathered at UPNG's campus to sign a Memorandum of Understanding covering the transfer of long-term land title, clearing a major hurdle for SILAG as it works toward becoming PNG's Public Service University.

Speaking at the signing, UPNG Vice Chancellor Professor Ian Findlay framed the deal as recognition of a relationship that stretches back years rather than a fresh alliance.

"This MoU represents an enduring partnership between two of PNG's leading education organizations-SILAG, PNG's key public service training institution and UPNG, PNG's National University," he said, adding, "This is one of the first steps towards SILAG becoming a fully-fledged university, and we look forward to creating a bright future."
Professor Findlay did not stop at the ceremonial remarks, using his address to argue that the country's fortunes rise or fall with the quality of its schools and training institutions.
"If we want a good nation, we need to have good education. If we want a weak nation, we have weak education," he said. "We owe it to our children, we owe it to our grandchildren, we owe it to the future of PNG to have the best possible education that we possibly can. We want our children to have a bright future. We want our grandchildren to have a bright future. And we cannot do that if we compromise our standards."
He tied that argument to leadership across every sector of national life, from parliament to the boardroom.
"We cannot do that if we don't have good leadership, good corporate governance, good management, good politicians, good business leaders. These are critical for PNG. And it all starts at education, whether that's formal education at SILAG or formal education at UPNG. We owe it to the future of PNG to make sure that our education and our education institutes are strong."
SILAG Chief Executive Officer Michael Barobe echoed that sentiment, telling attendees the document being signed carried a weight that went beyond its legal purpose.
"Today's signing represents much more than an agreement relating to land. It reflects the enduring partnership, mutual trust and shared national purpose that have existed between UPNG and SILAG over many years," he said.
According to Mr Barobe, locking in permanent tenure over the campus gives SILAG the certainty it needs to plan ahead, covering everything from new infrastructure and expanded academic programs to the accreditation steps required for university status.
SILAG was established in 1954 and bears the name of Grand Chief Sir Michael Somare, and remains PNG's leading institution for public sector leadership and governance training. UPNG, founded in 1965, holds the status of the country's premier university.
"As SILAG moves closer towards university status, we look forward to a more fruitful partnership with UPNG through continued collaboration in teaching, research, leadership development, innovation and knowledge sharing," Mr Barobe said.

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