A LEGACY OF LEADERSHIP: UPNG & SILAG SIGN HISTORIC MoU FOR LAND TITLE TRANSFER

BY SHARON AGAVI

IN a significant & momentous event last week, marking a new era for public service education, the University of Papua New Guinea (UPNG) and the Somare Institute of Leadership and Governance (SILAG) have officially signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to facilitate the transfer and management of land titles from the University to the Institute.

This milestone agreement formalizes a long-standing relationship between the two premier institutions and paves the way for SILAG’s transition into a fully-fledged university.

The SILAG CEO, Mr. Michael Barobe, described the signing as a “milestone” that allows the Institute to operate on its own land for the first time in its history.

While the land ultimately remains property of the government, the MoU grants SILAG the essential rights to manage both the land and the institution independently.

Mr. Barobe emphasized that this event is a “legacy that we will leave behind for future generations,” highlighting the collaboration between himself and the UPNG Vice Chancellor, Professor Ian Findlay.

He acknowledged the support of the SILAG Board, led by Ms. Taies Sansan, and the UPNG Council, headed by Mr. Robert Igarra, in bringing this years-long process to fruition.

The UPNG Vice Chancellor Professor Ian Findlay hailed the agreement as the “next stage” in a partnership that has existed for decades.

He noted that while the two institutions have been neighbors for a long time, this formalization recognizes the critical mission SILAG holds in improving leadership and management within the public sector.

“The combination of PNG’s two premier institutions is just a fantastic partnership,” the Vice Chancellor stated. He further stressed that an investment in education is an investment in the nation’s future, asserting that “if we want a good nation, we need to have good education.”

This partnership aims to uphold high standards of corporate governance and leadership to ensure a bright future for the next generation of Papua New Guineans.

The agreement holds deep historical significance. SILAG was originally established in 1954 by the University of Queensland as a public service institute with the long-term goal of becoming a university.
While that transition was delayed as UPNG took the lead in higher education, SILAG is now back on track to achieve its founding purpose.

Mr. Barobe revealed that SILAG plans to officially transition into the Somare Public Service University by 2027.

The two institutions will continue to work in parallel—UPNG training the nation’s citizens and SILAG specializing in the professional development of the public service.

This synergy has already been demonstrated through a successful joint Masters program delivered at the SILAG campus over the past several years.

While both leaders acknowledged that many administrative and legal details remain to be finalized, the signing of this MoU represents the successful culmination of a journey that has been years in the making.

“You trust us, and we trust you,” Mr. Barobe concluded. “Based on trust, we sign this MoU Agreement.

This historic transfer of land management rights ensures that both UPNG and the future Somare Public Service University are positioned to provide the “best possible education” for the future of Papua New Guinea.