IN a significant move to address the growing demand for higher education enrollment, the Department of Higher Education Research Science and Technology (DHERST) has taken a decisive step forward by creating 8000 additional spaces for students, Minister Don Polye revealed.
Speaking at the 69th graduation ceremony of the University of Papua New Guinea, Minister Polye disclosed that DHERST has been mandated by the Prime Minister to create a total of 30,000 spaces by 2030. These spaces aim to accommodate the anticipated influx of 30,000 grade 12 leavers seeking higher education opportunities.
Acknowledging the substantial financial implications of constructing new infrastructure to meet this demand within such a short timeframe, Minister Polye emphasized the urgency for higher education institutions to embrace digitalization.
He lauded the Western Pacific University for pioneering digital initiatives with the establishment of PNG’s first e-book library facility on campus. Minister Polye expressed his expectation for other institutions, particularly the Innovative University of Enga, to follow suit and transition to digitalized library and online learning platforms.
Highlighting the importance of this shift, Minister Polye stressed the need for both existing and new universities and colleges to expedite their transition from traditional library systems to digital platforms. He commended the commitment of UPNG’s Acting Vice Chancellor, Dr. Cecilia Nembou, to digitize course offerings, signaling a promising step towards modernization within the sector.
Addressing the current state of PNG universities, Minister Polye issued a candid assessment, acknowledging that many institutions are lagging behind in terms of embracing digitalization and globalization trends. He underscored the imperative for universities to adapt to the evolving landscape of education to remain relevant in the long term.
Minister Polye’s remarks serve as a wake-up call for PNG universities to embrace digitalization as a means of advancing education quality and accessibility in alignment with global standards. With digitalization paving the way for enhanced learning experiences and increased enrollment opportunities, the transformation of higher education in Papua New Guinea is well underway.
In conclusion, Minister Polye urged universities to embrace digitalization as a pathway to future success, emphasizing its pivotal role in shaping the next generation of leaders and professionals in Papua New Guinea.
The recent call by Minister Don Polye for Papua New Guinea’s universities to embrace digitalization marks a pivotal moment in the country’s higher education landscape. With the Department of Higher Education Research Science and Technology tasked with creating 30,000 spaces for students by 2030, the urgency to modernize infrastructure has never been more pressing.
Minister Polye’s emphasis on digitalization as a solution to meet this demand underscores the transformative power of technology in education. By transitioning to digital platforms for libraries and online learning, universities can expand access to educational resources and accommodate a larger student population efficiently.
The establishment of PNG’s first e-book library facility at the Western Pacific University sets a precedent for innovation within the sector. Minister Polye’s call for other institutions to follow suit, particularly the Innovative University of Enga, highlights the importance of collective action in embracing digital advancements.
Moreover, Minister Polye’s candid assessment of the current state of PNG universities serves as a wake-up call for the sector to adapt to the realities of digitalization and globalization. By acknowledging the need for change and advocating for swift action, Minister Polye charts a course towards a brighter future for higher education in Papua New Guinea.
In conclusion, Minister Polye’s vision for a digitally enabled higher education sector holds immense promise for Papua New Guinea’s future. By embracing digitalization, universities can enhance learning experiences, increase enrollment opportunities, and ensure the country’s youth are equipped with the skills needed to thrive in the 21st century.