Landowner subsidiary companies (Lancos) under Mineral Resources Development Company (MRDC) have sponsored two students who received top academic honors at the University of Goroka (UOG) 29th Graduation ceremony, held this week.

Kuwimb Hugum, who claimed the Outstanding Academic Performance Award, gained sponsorship from Petroleum Resources Moran under Petroleum License (PDL) 5 while Tonnica Nandie received the TVET Outstanding Academic Performance Award and sponsored by Gas Hides 4.

The award recipients were among 33 sponsored students at the ceremony.

These graduates completed diplomas and bachelor’s degrees across 3 main fields across Papua New Guinea; mining, oil and gas project impacted areas. They were part of the University’s graduating cohort of more than 1,000 students.

Through the Education Subsidy Program managed by MRDC and administered on behalf of its landowner subsidy companies, all graduates were supported.

In attendance at the ceremony were MRDC’s External Unit with petroleum Resources Gob (PRG) Chairman, Mr. Mathew Sisimolu, to witness the milestone

achievement. MRDC Managing Director Mr. Augustine Mano congratulated the graduates, reaffirming the company’s ongoing commitment to education as a driver of national development.

“Education is a key driver of development, and through the Education Subsidy Program, MRDC and its subsidiaries have supported many students since

2022 to pursue and achieve their academic goals,” Mr. Mano said.

“MRDC and its landowner subsidiaries remain committed to supporting students from resource project impacted communities. Investment in education

continues to be a priority. With the qualifications they have obtained, these graduates are now well positioned to contribute meaningfully to their communities and to the development of the country.”