By GINNAH MINI
Member for Karimui-Nomane, Hon Francis Alua, has raised concerns with the Minister for Higher Education, Research, Science and Technology over more than 2,000 teaching graduates, including those from the University of Goroka (UOG), who remain unemployed.
Alua said many of these students graduated in 2025 but have not taken up teaching positions because the Teaching Service Commission is withholding their provisional registration certificates.
He explained that the Education Department issued a notice stating that students with a grade point average (GPA) below 2.8 would not be allowed to graduate. “This has affected the future of over 2,000 students who met academic requirements but are now denied registration,” Alua said.
He questioned how UOG admitted students with GPAs below 2.8 in the first place, saying the issue reflects poor administration and management. “If the minimum GPA to enter UOG is 2.8, how were these students enrolled?” he asked.
Alua questioned the Minister to explain what steps taken to resolve the matter.
Minister Hon Kinoka Feo said he would provide a detailed answer in the next Parliament sitting and requested for the questions in writing.