PROCEEDS FROM SALE OF TELIKOM TRAINING COLLEGE TO BE RE-INVESTED INTO CRUCIAL PROJECTS: TEPI

By STAFF REPORTERS

With recent talks and public statement and speculations surrounding the sale of the Telikom Training College in Lae in the Morobe Province, Telikom Limited as the legitimate owner of the college, has clarified its position and provided factual information on the issue.

Telikom Limited Chief Executive Officer, Mr Amos Tepi in his response, says Telikom Limited has had collaborative efforts with the University of Technology (UNITECH) and its commitment to responsibly manage this asset for the benefit of Papua New Guineans.

Mr Tepi says, Telikom is responsibly managing its surplus assets and is offering the College for sale through a public tender and is only selling to nationally owned companies and PNG citizens and will not sell to foreign buyers.

He further highlighted that, the proceeds from this sale will primarily be reinvested into critical projects, including upgrading Telikom’s mobile phone network (equipment and towers), implementing new technology, and managing necessary staff adjustments to ensure the long-term sustainability of the business.

Mr Tepi also singled out that, Telikom is the legitimate and rightful owner of the Telikom Training College (College) in Lae, with a conclusive and indefeasible title.

Mr Tepi further outlined that Telikom initiated multiple discussions with Unitech to explore potential synergies for utilising the College to further Unitech’s educational mission, of which these discussions culminated in two formal meetings held on 30 August 2023 and 21 November 2023 respectively in Port Moresby, resulting in both parties agreeing on the framework for collaboration, including preparation of two Memorandum of Understanding (MOUs) and three definitive agreements including, a Lease Agreement, a Training Agreement, and a Commercial Agreement of which Unitech was not compliant to.

Meantime, Mr Tepi affirms that, Telikom remains open to any collaborative effort that supports national interests in both telecommunications and education, however, Tepi adds, that the company also reserves the right to make decisions that best serve its operational and financial objectives.

Meanwhile, he Papua New Guinea University of Technology (PNGUoT) has called on the national government to revisit its submission for acquiring ownership of the Telikom College property, which the university sees as a critical training asset for national development.

PNGUoT’s leadership argues that the facility could be revitalized as a major hub for technical and vocational training in line with government goals to expand access to education.
The university has submitted plans to the National Executive Council (NEC) that detail transformative programs, including expanded distance education, small business and entrepreneurship training, telecommunications, renewable energy, and alluvial mining education.

Vice Chancellor Prof. Ora Renagi noted that although a partnership with Telikom had been explored, the terms fell short of PNGUoT’s vision for the facility.

He highlighted the institution’s Strategic Plan 2020-2024, aligned with PNG’s Vision 2050, which underscores the importance of growing technical, business, and community colleges nationwide.
Meanwhile, Deputy Prime Minister and Lae MP John Rosso also voiced strong support for keeping the historic Telikom College as a public asset.

Established to train skilled professionals, Rosso highlighted the college’s vital role in Lae’s development as an educational institution.

Despite Telikom’s plans to monetize the property, Rosso is pushing for its acquisition by the Lae City Authority or integration with the Papua New Guinea University of Technology (PNGUoT).
He stressed the importance of preserving the college for future generations, noting its significance to Lae and Morobe Province.

Rosso stated, “By preserving this institution, the city aims to support the growing demand for skilled workers while enhancing local educational resources.”
He mentioned that negotiations are underway with relevant authorities to explore options for keeping the college operational.

However, Mr Tepi in his response to these public statements and speculations surrounding this issue, states that, moving forward, Telikom Limited will continue to prioritise the growth and sustainability of its business while supporting educational advancement in Papua New Guinea.

He affirmed that, Telikom is the legitimate and rightful owner of the Telikom Training College (College) in Lae, with a conclusive and indefeasible title.