K1 BILLION DORMITORY PLAN ANNOUNCED FOR UNIVERSITY OF GOROKA

By VICKY BAUNKE, in Goroko

THE Government has announced plans for a state-of-the-art student dormitory development worth K1 billion at the University of Goroka.

Minister for Research, Science and Technology Kinoka Feo announced the plan during the official opening of the K130-million UOG Central Administration Building and the Humilakave Student Forum in Goroka on Tuesday.

Mr Feo said the proposed dormitory development is aimed at addressing the University’s ongoing student accommodation shortage.

He said the planned facilities will have a capacity to accommodate 4,428 students.

The Minister identified accommodation as one of the biggest challenges facing the University, with about 90 percent of students currently living outside the campus.

Mr Feo said the Government’s vision for higher education is centred on three key areas — access, quality and relevance.

He said quality education must promote honesty, Christian values and good character while meeting international standards.

Mr Feo also stressed the need for university education to remain relevant to the needs of the country’s economy.

Meanwhile, University of Goroka Students Representative Council President Justin Muna thanked the Government on behalf of the University’s 8,000 students for its investment in the lives and future of young professionals.