Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea – September 16, 2025
As Papua New Guinea celebrates its 50th Independence Anniversary, Minister for Higher Education, Research, Science and Technology and Sport, Hon. Kinoka Feo, has highlighted the critical role of higher and technical education in shaping the nation’s journey over the past five decades.
In his official Independence Day message, Minister Feo commended universities, colleges, government agencies, and development partners for their contributions to nation-building through education. He emphasized that education has been the bridge of opportunity, training leaders, strengthening the workforce, and uniting the country as “One People, One Nation, One Country.”
Growth of Higher Education in Papua New Guinea
Prior to Independence in 1975, PNG had only a handful of teachers’ colleges and two national universities — the University of Papua New Guinea (UPNG) and the University of Technology (Unitech). Today, the higher and technical education sector has grown to 54 institutions, including teacher colleges, nursing schools, technical and business colleges, and specialized institutions.
Minister Feo praised the work of the Department of Higher Education, Research, Science and Technology (DHERST) in ensuring that policy translates into practice, while recognizing the role of private sector partnerships in connecting education to industry needs.
Expanding Access and Opportunities
The minister noted that significant progress has been made in increasing access to education through financial support programs such as the Higher Education Loan Program (HELP) and TESAS scholarships, which reduce barriers for students. He also highlighted the rise in international scholarships, which enable Papua New Guineans to study abroad and return with skills and global networks to benefit the country.
Inclusion means leaving no one behind — not the student from a remote village, nor the working adult seeking new skills.
Kinoka Feo, Minister for Higher Education, Research, Science and Technology
Quality and Digital Transformation
PNG’s higher education sector has introduced the National Qualifications Framework and Programme Accreditation Quality Assurance Framework to maintain international standards. The rollout of the Higher Education Management Information System (HEMIS) is also helping with data-driven planning, monitoring, and budgeting.
Looking ahead, Feo underscored that the future of education in PNG lies in digital transformation. E-learning, flexible study options, and online curricula will ensure that students in the most remote areas can access world-class education while strengthening institutional accountability and efficiency.
Education as the Key to the Next 50 Years
As we celebrate 50 years of Independence, the real question is: What will define the next 50 years of Papua New Guinea? The answer lies in the strength of our education system.
Minister Feo
He concluded by reaffirming that education remains PNG’s greatest equalizer, vital for unity, resilience, and prosperity.
Happy 50th Independence Anniversary and God bless Papua New Guinea.