Professor David Kavanamur is officially the new Director General of Papua New Guinea’s Office of Higher Education (OHE). Kavanamur takes over from Dr. William Tagis who has been acting in the position since 2009. His appointment was made by the National Executive Council (NEC) and made public in a public gathering by Prime Minister Peter O’Neil.
In the official handover-takeover ceremony held last Friday (9 March) and witnessed by representatives from key stakeholders including the staff of the OHE, the acting Chairperson of the Commission for Higher Education (CHE), Simon Kenehe, MBE OL, the Director General of the PNG Vision 2050 Office, Joseph Sukwianomb and the Minister for Higher Education, Research, Science & Technology, Hon. David Arore, MP.
In his speech, Minister Arore, thanked Dr. Tagis for his service and said he was “privileged to farewell one of Papua New Guinea’s hardworking and committed sons” who has dedicated a good portion of his life to education and the public service. He said the institutes of higher education owe their growth to the “sheer dedication and determination of Dr. Tagis.” He said history will record Dr. Tagis’ contributions and the country would remember him.
He also welcomed Professor Kavanamur to the post and said that he had every confidence in the new Director General taking charge of the office.
The incoming Director General also commended Dr. Tagis for his contributions to higher education describing him as a “strong pillar” for the sector. He said the commitment, dedication and determination of Dr. Tagis has developed the sector and benefited many people including himself.
He said during his early days as a teaching fellow at the University of Papua New Guinea (UPNG) he recalls Dr. Tagis as a key person behind the PNG – US Scholarships Program which he was a beneficiary to. He said this program allowed many teaching staff to attain higher degrees from the best universities in the United States.
He also told the outgoing Director General that his services would be required from time to time because of his wealth of experience.
Meanwhile, the outgoing Director General, Dr. William Tagis, while welcoming Prof. Kavanamur pointed out several challenges that the new Director would face including behavior of the universities whom he described as “cats.”
He said the universities liked to do things their own way and time. He said it would be a challenge to try and get them in line. However, he had every confidence in the new Director.
Dr. Tagis leaves the OHE after almost 17 years. He was appointed Director General in 2005 and his term expired in 2009. However, due to no official appointments he acted on the position until his leave last Friday.
Congratulations Prof. Kavanamur and best wishes to Dr Tagis!
Dr. Tagis has done a good job during his term with OHE. Congratulations to
Professor Kanavamur as I am confident OHE as an organisation will benefit greatly
from his leadership.