Prime Minister James Marape has officially commissioned the University of Goroka’s new K130 million Central Administration Building and Humilaveka Student Forum Square, describing the investment as a major commitment by the Government to improving education as Papua New Guinea enters its next 50 years.

Speaking at the university, Prime Minister Marape said investment in modern infrastructure must result in better-trained teachers, improved schools, and stronger learning outcomes for children across the country.

He said quality education must remain a national priority, stressing that the future of PNG depends on the standard of teaching and learning provided to its children.

Prime Minister Marape described the new facilities as some of the finest educational infrastructure in the country and acknowledged the contribution of the university’s leadership, councils, contractors, traditional landowners, government agencies and taxpayers.

He said the project was made possible through taxpayers’ contributions and represented a significant national investment.

Prime Minister Marape said UOG carries a special responsibility because the teachers trained there will go on to educate and influence future generations of Papua New Guineans.

He directed Higher Education, Research, Science and Technology Minister Kinoka Feo and his department to develop a programme to raise teacher-training standards to international levels.

He said producing quality students begins with properly training and equipping teachers.

The Prime Minister also called for teachers to receive remuneration that reflects their qualifications and the importance of their profession.

He said improved salaries must also be supported by better teacher housing, working conditions, classrooms, water, sanitation and hygiene facilities, and other essential school infrastructure.

Prime Minister Marape said the education system must recognise that children have different abilities and talents and should not be forced into a single academic pathway.

He said some children excel in sports, arts, music, science and technical fields, and the education system must provide opportunities for them to develop their full potential.

He also encouraged greater use of Flexible Open and Distance Education to give school leavers a second chance to return to education and pursue further studies.

The Prime Minister said the next decade would be critical in transforming PNG’s education system and ensuring more young people have access to quality learning opportunities.

Prime Minister Marape urged young Papua New Guineans who have left school not to give up on their education.

He shared examples from his Tari-Pori electorate of people who returned to education through second-chance programmes before progressing to university and employment.

Reflecting on his own journey, he recalled beginning Grade One in 1978 and walking for hours to attend school before eventually being sent to boarding school by his father.

He said his father encouraged him never to abandon education, describing it as a highway to a better future.

Prime Minister Marape said his own journey from a remote rural community to becoming Prime Minister demonstrated the potential of children across rural PNG when they are given access to quality education.

Prime Minister Marape has also backed plans to significantly expand student accommodation at the University of Goroka.

Higher Education Minister Kinoka Feo presented plans for a major new dormitory development aimed at addressing the university’s accommodation shortage.

Prime Minister Marape said the Government would support the construction of the proposed dormitory.

However, he stressed that increased government investment must be matched by discipline, professionalism, and high standards among students preparing to become teachers.

He urged students to become role models and uphold the standards expected of those who will eventually teach and influence the country’s children.

With PNG set to mark its 51st Independence Anniversary on September 16, Prime Minister Marape said the coming ten years will be crucial in preparing the next generation.

He said the push for quality education must begin with strengthening teacher training and education at institutions such as the University of Goroka.