PNG 8th Uni: PM Marape Pledges Support for Lutheran University - Press Release

Prime Minister Hon. James Marape, MP, has pledged Government support for the establishment of the long-overdue Lutheran University in Lae.

Image: Facebook | PM & NEC page

Key points added for clarity

• Lutheran Church in PNG, the second largest church behind Catholic Church, does not have a university yet.
• PNG has 6 operating universities.
• Two universities are run by the churches in PNG (Pacific Adventist University run by the Seventh Day Adventist Mission and Divine Word University run by the Catholic Mission)
• UPNG, Unitech, UoG and UNRE are public universities.
• Western Pacific University in the Southern Highlands Province. Its first intake was in 2020.

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Press release cont...

He announced this in front of thousands of Lutheran faithful at the 32nd Evangelical Lutheran Church of PNG Synod at Boana in Nawaeb, Morobe, today.

PM Marape urged the Synod to continue working on the concept of the Lutheran university.

"Please refurbish this concept of a Lutheran-based university," he said.

"We have talked about this previously, but it has slowed down.

"The Lutheran University must come to pass, as a memorial of this 32nd Synod.

"I want to throw it on the floor here, that someone in the crowd pick it up.

"Lutheran is the second-biggest church, so I ask you please, let's work on this.

"National Government will pick up the university that the church wants, and we'll get it going.

"Starting 2020, we'll work on it and Hopefully by 2025, when the nation celebrates 50 years of Independence, our Lutheran University can lift its flag up and fly, and take students in by that time.

Prime Minister Marape supported a call by Morobe Governor Hon. Ginson Saonu for the establishment of a Lutheran elementary teachers' college.

He said the Government had allocated K1 million for this. He also told the Lutheran Church to come up with a plan for a university to get Government assistance.

"We will start a 10-year programme that will create the genesis of a Christian-based education system being run in our country.

"To make this country truly identified with Christian principles, our education system must be run by Christian churches,” the Prime Minister said

He (the Prime Minister) called for closer partnership between churches and the Government in education and health.

"The Lutheran Church is the second-largest church in the country," Prime Minister Marape said.

"We (Government) are ready to work in partnership with you in the areas of health and education.

"You are already established in society; you are with the people."Our Government stands ready to embrace churches in the areas of health and education.

"These are two key services in the country that I want churches to play a bigger role in,” PM Marape said.

Source: Facebook, released Sunday 12th January 2020

We also provide some background information about the 6 PNG universities here. Find out about the selections lists for UPNG, UOG, UNRE, Unitech, DWU and PAU:

• UPNG, University of Papua New Guinea
• UOG, University of Goroka
• UNRE, University of Natural Resources and Environment
• Unitech, University of Technology
• DWU, Divine Word University and 
• PAU, Pacific Adventist University.

PNG Universities School Leavers and Non-school Leavers Registration Dates

The school leavers and non-school leavers whose names are on the selection list would know by now the starting dates for registration and orientation. Take note of the expected day to arrive at the university. 

If you have any questions about the 2022 Grade 12 selection process, PDF list, etc., please leave a comment below or check out this latest update on PNG Universities Non-School Leavers Selection 2021.

Note that this is old information about registration, so read it for guidance ONLY. Or follow the link for that latest information.

DHERST would have, also, made all the travelling arrangements and provided needed logistical support. Contact your reliable friends, relatives or university if there are any changes to the dates. 

Generally, all should be according to plan, so arrive at your university at the start of the registration week. For those whose names are on the non-school leavers’ acceptance list, be reminded of the following starting dates. 

1. UPNG 

University of Papua New Guinea has *not* clearly marked the start of registration and orientation week. PNG Insight understands that all fees are to be paid by 'Monday, 11th February before you can be cleared for registration.

2. UNITECH

PNG University of Technology first semester, registration will be conducted from 28th January to 3rd February. You should plan to be on campus for the registration on the morning of 28th January.

3. DWU

Student Registration and Orientation Week commences on Monday 4th February. The first and second-year students will commence their Registration process on Monday 4th of February. 

The third and fourth-year students will commence registration on Tuesday 5th of February. Registration will be at St. John Paul II Hall. Thus, all students must be on campus by February 3rd.

4. PAU

Check the Pacific Adventist University website for the latest details. No info for registration was available (or I may have missed it) at the time of this dates compilation. 

Last year, the registration and orientation took place in the second week of February. Please confirm if you need if you still need to know when PAU registration for new and continuing starts.

5. UNRE

PNG University of Natural Resources and Environment registration and orientation start on Monday 25th March. The first semester lectures begin on Monday 21st April. 

Students should be at the campus starting Wednesday 20th March.

6. UoG

University of Goroka *orientation* for all new students will be from the 11th -15th February.

*Registration* for all students - both school leavers and non-school leavers - will be from the 18th to the 28th of February. 

Late Registration is only on the 1st of March. The fee of K200 is charged for the late registration.

Make fee payments to universities as instructed on letters you may have received. Also, travel to the universities on the date given to you. 

It is important that you speak to your universities admin directly if there are any pressing issues needed ironing out prior to the commencement of the lectures.