Late Grand Chief , Sir Micheal Somare and Mr. Joshua Himina in 2011 during a visit to the school. PICTURE SUPPLIED
By: Thelma Allingham
The proposed Somare University of Agriculture and Rural Technology (SUART) in Bainyik, Maprik currently operated by the University of Goroka has scheduled its inaugural graduation for today Monday 11th of December.
University of Goroka Bainyik Campus officially recognized by East Sepik Provincial Executive Council as SUART is a dream materializing on a gradual pace as anticipated by those Sepik elites who worked tirelessly to give East Sepik Province its own University said former Maprik DA Joshua Himina.
“Despite the struggles of having inadequate resources, the challenges faced financially during the early establishment phases and redevelopment of the campus ,Himina said total dedication and commitment by those as resulted patriotic Sepiks and Papua New Guineans, the first 21 Students will graduate with Diploma in Agriculture today , Monday 11th of December 2023 at Bainyik Campus, Maprik, East Sepik Province”.
In 2021 from the external mode as part of UOGs efforts to bring “Gown to Town” in partnership with Maprik DDA have graduated first 6pPost graduate students at Maprik District Resource Center last year 2022 with Post Graduate Diploma in Teaching.
For this year’s graduating students, the best performing students with GPA of 2.6 and above will continue on to do their Bachelor’s Degree in agriculture in 2024 said Himina.
He added that the others who does not meet this GPA will be released to go out for 2 years of practical building experience before applying back to continue with their Bachelors Degree Program.
Upon signing of Agreement with UOG in 2020 to revive the formally known Bainyik Agriculture College to now UOG Bainyik Campus and the launching at Maprik District Resource Center, the following input was made.
1. Provincial Government Recurrent Budget Support of K100,000.00 annually with an additional K200,000.00 paid April in 2023 mostly to pay for accommodation rental for residential students and teaching and learning equipment. The rental fee in Maprik is too high at daily rate which is unsustainable.
2. Maprik DDA DSIP Support of K200,000.00 annually and Maprik DDA bought a 25 Seater School Bus for the school.
3. University of Goroka provided Accredited Diploma and Degree Program in Agriculture with curriculum and teaching aids.
4. University of Goroka Provided 4 academic staff or Lecturers and 6 Ancillary Staff of which their Salaries and Wages are maintained by the University of Goroka.
5. TESAS support by Department of Higher Education gave 1st Category AES to Students at K5,126.00 per year per student and 2nd Category HECAS to students at K4,260 per year, per student for the whole year for residential students and its paid quarterly. The SUART Bainyik Campus since 2021 recorded 40 Students on the 2nd Category HECAS who are receiving K4,260 per year per student.
The current enrollment status in 2023 are as follows;
Total enrollment 75 Students
Year 1 -29 Students
Year 2 – 15 Students
Year 3 – 21 Students
Mr Himina congratulated Bainik Campus Director Lena Yual and her hardworking Staff, the Pioneer students, the people of Maprik for building the dream Institution to what it is now.
Himina thanked Governor Allan Bird for his valuable support and also the Provincial Administrator Samson Torovi, former Member John Simon, Dr. Clement Malau Joseph Thomas Wolomb Sukwianomb, Minda Manuambi, Chris Asa, Donald Gumbis, Dr. Teng Wanginga, Kensol Rui, Dr. Keith Galgal, Roland Katak and everyone who has given a hand in building the dream Institution “SUART”.
Himina acknowledged the people of Bainyik, Wora, and Numakum Community Leaders and my people, since 2007 we hoped and long that one day, our prime institution as it was before and situated on our land will be revived. From day one you stood firm so Congratulations on this milestone achievement.
He further emphasized that Governor Allan Bird said we were very fortunate to have a supportive PMJM and his own great respect for GC Somare that he committed the funding to Provincial Government to assist in upgrading the rundown college to what it is now.
In addition, it was PMJM’s insistence that it once the University is fully restored and established, it must be renamed to honor GC Somare.
The proposed Somare University of Agriculture and rural technology was one of the pilot projects Mr Himina was directly involved in during his time as District Administrator for Maprik District and he is looking forward to attend its 1st graduation ceremony .
