The Governor of Southern Highlands Province, William Powi, has highlighted a critical issue facing Papua New Guinea’s higher educational sector. As it stands, higher learning institutions can accommodate up to 15,000 students. However, with 30,000 students graduating each year from grade 12, there is an immediate shortfall of 15,000 spaces. This gap is set to widen significantly in the coming years, potentially reaching thousands of students.
Governor Powi raised a crucial question to the Higher Education Minister regarding the status of a policy that proposed establishing Technical Vocational Training (TVET) colleges in every Local-Level Government (LLG) or electorate. This policy aimed to address the growing demand for higher education and prepare for the increasing number of young people exiting the education system at Grades 8, 10 and 12 every year in PNG
The Higher Education Minister responded by acknowledging the challenge and emphasizing the importance of immediate solutions. Currently, the policy under the PNG Government’s Medium Term Development (MTD) plan requires each district to have at least one Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) college. To support this initiative, the government has secured K300 million from the Asian Development Bank (ADB). However, the Minister stressed that additional support from Members of Parliament (MPs) is needed, as well as an annual budget of K1.3 billion to create more educational spaces.
The Minister also highlighted the significance of TVET in providing hands-on training and practical skills. TVET programs offer an alternative pathway for students who may not pursue a traditional university education. These programs are essential in equipping young people with the skills to thrive in the workforce.
The figures are stark: 120,000 students start school, and by the time they reach grade 12, only 30,000 go through, leaving 90,000 students who need alternative pathways. The capacity crisis in Papua New Guinea’s higher education sector underscores the urgent need for comprehensive solutions and increased investment in TVET programs. With adequate support and funding, the country can bridge the educational gap and ensure a brighter future for its young population.
