What a great way to start off the 2022 Academic Year for the University of Papua New Guinea’s School of Natural and Physical Sciences, particularly, the Earth Sciences Division, to have the Chief Executive Officer and Director of K92 Mining Ltd, Mr. John Lewins, present the K92 Tertiary Scholarship in Geology on Thursday, 03 February, at the UPNG’s Waigani campus.
The 2022 Recipient of the K92 Tertiary Scholarship in Geology, Ephraem Nick, who is a final year Earth Science student, was awarded the Trotsky Benjamin Medal, by Mr. Trotsky Benjamin, Superintendent Mine Geology, a senior staff and the longest standing member of K92 Mining Ltd.
The presentation was witnessed by the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Frank Griffin, the Executive Dean of the School of Natural and Physical Sciences, Prof. Simon Saulei, the Divisional Head of the Earth Sciences Division, Associate Prof. Joseph Espi, representatives from the Mineral Resources Authority and the PNG Chamber of Mines and Petroleum, and staff members and students.
The Vice-Chancellor, in his remarks, explained that the Earth Sciences Division carries out hands-on programs to expose students to a wide range of environments from which they can learn practical skills of Geology in Earth Science, in the country, and by extension in the world as well.
He added that the University as part of its 2022-2025 Strategic Plan, is promoting the implementation of partnerships and engagements.
This Scholarship is a great start for the School of Natural and Physical Sciences, on which the University can build.
Prof. Griffin thanked K92 Mining Ltd for seeing the value in the awardee’s achievements. He added that scholarships like this are not just sponsorships, but recognition of the students’ ability to be able to deliver, and also the value in the program that is provided at the Earth Sciences Division of the School of Natural and Physical Sciences.
Executive Dean, Prof. Saulei described the presentation as a rare occasion for the School and the Division to have sponsors from external organisations, and expressed his gratitude to K92 Mining Ltd for the initiative. He hopes that the scholarship presentation is one of many to come in the future.
The CEO and Director of K92 Mining Ltd, Mr. Lewins elaborated on the company’s focus which includes education, that they are happy to extend the scholarship initiative, and have plans to continue in the years to come.
Divisional Head, Associate Prof. Espi, in his remarks said that this particular award is the foundation on which the Earth Sciences Division will work together with K92 Mining Ltd and the graduates to make sure they meet whatever standards are required of them in the industry, so that what is being taught here in the University is comparable to what they practise in the industry, and the world.
This scholarship will set a benchmark for students to work hard and give them motivation to be a valuable
member of the industry.
Prof. Espi thanked the K92 Mining Management Team for their initiative and extended his thanks to the stakeholders, staff members, and students for their contribution to the industry.