By PHILIPPAJOY PAARENU, UPNG Journalism Student
THE West Sepik Students Union at the University of Papua New Guinea (UPNG) has secured its first-ever corporate sponsorship, with Finance Corporation Limited (Fincorp) contributing K15,000 and Motor Vehicle Insurance Limited (MVIL) donating K5,000.
The combined K20,000 sponsorship will support an education awareness initiative aimed at students across West Sepik Province.
Union President Adamson Onbaiye described the support as “the first of its kind in the history of the Union,” noting that previous student groups had never successfully sought professional assistance.
The funds will help the union launch a book drive and awareness campaign aimed at reviving interest in education among young people.
“We are trying to instil inspiration and motivate young ones, as well as give them information about education opportunities to help achieve their dreams,” Onbaiye said.
Members of the union responded positively to the sponsorship, seeing it as a turning point for student leadership.
Onbaiye emphasized that the Association is moving away from social activities toward a professional approach that builds resilience, integrity, and character among students.
“My first aim as president is to make the student group transition from just being a social group to a more professional group,” he explained.
He thanked Fincorp and MVIL for their contribution, calling it a “foundation step” that will enable the Union to deliver reliable information and opportunities for students across the West Sepik Province.
The sponsorship marks a new chapter for the West Sepik Students Union, setting a precedent for future partnerships that support education and student leadership.