The Marape-Rosso Government reaffirms its unwavering commitment to investing in Papua New Guinea’s Higher Education sector, recognizing it as a foundational pillar for sustainable national development and economic progress. Education remains central to empowering our citizens, fostering innovation, and securing a prosperous future for our nation.
Recent statements from two universities regarding the disbursement of the Tertiary Education Study Assistance Scheme (TESAS) funds for the second semester have raised concerns that require immediate clarification.
We categorically state that these claims are incorrect and misleading. The TESAS funds for the second semester were made available in full by the Government as of January 2024. Both institutions in question have since confirmed the receipt of these funds, and any contrary assertion reflects a miscommunication rather than a failure of disbursement.
It is evident that there exists a disconnect in communication between the administrative staff responsible for managing TESAS funds and the leadership of these universities. The Government, through the Department of Higher Education, Research, Science, and Technology (DHERST), strongly encourages all institutions to adopt robust internal communication systems to ensure accurate and timely dissemination of information regarding funding allocations.
Moreover, we wish to emphasize that these universities submitted their acquittals later than expected, compared to other institutions. The TESAS funding process is governed by strict guidelines requiring the timely submission of acquittals. As stipulated by DHERST, no further payments can be processed without the submission of acquittals for previously disbursed funds. Institutions must adhere to these reporting requirements to avoid any unintended delays in future funding allocations. It is therefore important to highlight that the delay in processing funds was caused not by any Government agency but rather by the late submissions from the universities concerned.
The Marape-Rosso Government is making substantial investments in the Higher Education sector to enhance accessibility, quality, and relevance of education in Papua New Guinea. These efforts include the expansion of funding schemes such as TESAS and HELP to ensure that more students across the country have opportunities to pursue higher education without undue financial burden. Additionally, we continue to implement reforms aimed at digitalizing education systems, strengthening institutional governance, and improving infrastructure to support our universities, colleges, and technical institutions.
We acknowledge and appreciate the tireless efforts of all Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) in providing quality education and overcoming challenges in delivering services to our students. The Government remains steadfast in its support for HEIs and reiterates the importance of accountability and compliance with financial reporting requirements to facilitate an efficient and transparent funding process.
As the year draws to a close, we extend our sincere gratitude to all stakeholders in the Higher Education sector for their dedication and commitment. On behalf of the Ministry and the Department of Higher Education, Research, Science, and Technology, we wish all institutions, staff, and students a blessed Christmas and a prosperous New Year. Together, let us remain focused on our collective mission of building a knowledge-based society and cultivating the nation’s human capital for a brighter and more sustainable future.
For further inquiries, please contact:
Department of Higher Education, Research, Science, and Technology: Research and Innovation Wing
Authorized by:
Professor. Fr. Jan Czuba
Acting Secretary, DHERST