Southern Highlands Governor William Powi joined former Prime Minister and Member for Ialibu-Pangia Peter O’Neill at the second graduation ceremony of Western Pacific University, where the provincial government presented K1 million to the growing institution.
Accompanied by Provincial Administrator David Kelma and provincial administration staff, Governor Powi addressed graduates, parents, university management, and dignitaries gathered under the theme “Shaping Digital Futures: A Decade of Transformation.”
“It is both an honor and a privilege to stand before you today,” Governor Powi said. “Last year, I was here for the first inaugural Western Pacific University graduation. We witnessed the historic graduation of this institution, marking a significant milestone in the development of higher education in our province and in our country.”
The Governor paid tribute to the university’s leadership for navigating the difficult early years of establishing a new institution.
“It is not easy to establish, manage, and sustain a university, especially in the formative years. Through resilience, determination, and very strong commitment, you have continued to drive this institution forward. The second graduation is clear evidence of stability, maturity, and persistence in leadership. On behalf of the Southern Highlands Provincial Government and the people of this province, we salute and applaud you.”
Governor Powi acknowledged former Prime Minister O’Neill for his role in establishing the university under an Act of Parliament in 2014. Since its humble beginnings in 2021 with just 49 students, the university has now grown to over 300 students from all regions of Papua New Guinea, with students soon expected from Vanuatu and across the Pacific.
The university now offers programs aligned with the nation’s future, including Certificates in Higher Education, foundation programs, computer networks, computer programming, cyber security, and international business management. New innovative programs include a dual degree partnership with the University of Information Technology and Management in Poland, offering courses in gaming, game design, and aviation management, as well as fully online programs through the LearnX platform.
“These are not just programs,” Governor Powi stressed. “They are the pathways to building a digitally and globally competitive workforce.”
The Governor acknowledged ongoing challenges, including student accommodation, especially for female students, water security, power reliability, infrastructure quality, campus safety, and health services.
“As a government, we take note of those challenges and will continue to work with the university to ensure that Western Pacific University develops into a safe, nurturing, and fully functional institution of excellence.”
Echoing comments made by Peter O’Neill, Governor Powi declared: “This is a national institution. This is not a university for an electorate. The government must take Western Pacific University as a premier institution that will transform the future of this country.”
A total of 92 graduates received awards across Certificate in Higher Education, Foundation Program, International Business Management, computer networks, and computer programming.
To the graduating class, the Governor said: “You have remained focused despite challenges, and today you stand as graduates ready to contribute to our province and to our country. Conduct yourselves with dignity as you go out. Take pride in your achievements. Remember that you now carry not only your qualification but also the name and reputation of Western Pacific University wherever you go.”
He closed with a blessing: “May Western Pacific University continue to grow as a center of excellence, producing digital citizens, innovators, and leaders who will drive transformation in our province and our nation. Let us move forward with stability, maturity, and persistence.”
The provincial government’s K1 million contribution is expected to support the university’s continued development and infrastructure priorities.