By BENSON WEMA
DEPUTY Prime Minister John Rosso has challenged the graduates of the Somare Institute of Leadership and Governance (SILAG) to utilise their qualifications to bring positive contributions in developing the country.
He emphasised strongly on nation building, people development, quality leadership and public sector capacity building as a core mandate for the graduates.
“I pay homage to this great institution that has contributed significantly to nation building for over 60 years,” Rosso said.
He said the institution played a part in in the upbringing of the country and its development.
SILAG equipped individuals well in their journey of studies and Rosso was confident the graduates obtained a lot to be potential citizens and professionals in their society as well as in their organisations.
“We have come a long way, unlearning and learning from personal relevance to life relevance.
“Graduates walking off the iconic institution must work hard and grasp the important aspects of different experiences that will help them determine a good contribution of development to the nation of Papua New Guinea.”
Meanwhile, Rosso said the Government has put in place a Medium-Term Development Plan 4 which will allow for SILAG to be recognised as one of the four specialised universities, with the proposal to have SILAG become the Somare Public Sector University by 2027.
He said the Marape-Rosso Government has allocated K20 million to SILAG in 2024 and will continue to support the Institution in the coming years.
Rosso made a positive remark of the SILAG, acknowledging the Board and Management for their contribution in equipping and training of potential individuals of the country.
He also stressed on the infrastructure projects underway in the Highlands Region.
Rosso said the ongoing development of the first Public Sector Degree Program, along with efforts in capacity building for PhD and master’s courses, expected to produce the first graduates by 2027.
He commended the SILAG administration for progressing well with level of education and training accorded to students and believed the institution would reach new heights in the future.
Rosso was speaking during the SILAG graduation in Port Moresby over the week.
