Despite major obstacles, such as the devastating earthquake in 2022 that destroyed important university infrastructure, Prime Minister James Marape has commended the leadership of the University of Goroka (UOG) for their outstanding efforts in raising student enrollment and reaching a record-breaking graduation turnout. Speaking at the 28th Graduation Ceremony of UOG on Tuesday, January 14, 2025, Prime Minister Marape acknowledged the resilience and commitment of the university’s Vice-Chancellor and Chancellor in adhering to government directives to expand student enrolment. He highlighted that since the government took office in 2019, UOG has significantly increased its graduating class, with over 1,009 students graduating this week — the highest in the university’s history. “When we took office in 2019, the University of Goroka had a graduating class of just around 400 students. Today, I am proud to witness the largest graduation in the university’s history, with more than 1,009 students receiving their qualifications this week,” Prime Minister Marape said. “This achievement warms my heart. It shows that despite the earthquake that destroyed classrooms and accommodations, the university leadership has steadily increased enrolment year after year. Their determination to comply with government policies and their ability to deliver results with limited resources deserve recognition and continued support from the Government.” The Prime Minister commended UOG for its unwavering commitment to expanding educational opportunities, noting that the university’s administrators have remained focused on growth, even in the face of adversity. “Results like this make us want to continue supporting public servants and administrators who implement central government policies and deliver tangible outcomes. The leadership at UOG is doing exactly that — translating policy into action and delivering results for the nation,” he said. Prime Minister Marape reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to supporting UOG and other educational institutions across the country. “We recognize that education is a critical priority for our nation’s future. The University of Goroka is an important institution that trains our future teachers, and it is our duty to ensure that they have the resources and infrastructure needed to succeed.” He also confirmed that the Government has allocated K30 million to UOG to complete several key infrastructure projects, including a seven-storey building and a new auditorium. “I look forward to returning later this year to officially open the seven-storey building and the auditorium, which are expected to be completed with the government funding already allocated. These new facilities will further enhance the university’s capacity to accommodate more students and provide a better learning environment.” Prime Minister Marape concluded by expressing his gratitude to the UOG leadership for their dedication to improving education in Papua New Guinea. “The university leadership is delivering results with the little resources given to them. Their efforts are contributing to building a stronger education system, and we are committed to supporting them as they continue to serve our nation by preparing the next generation of educators.”