The construction of the Western Pacific University is underway in Ialibu Pangia District in the Southern Highlands Province.
The University will educate 6,000 students each year and is expected to reduce the burden on parents from the Highlands Region who face the challenge of sending their children away to universities in other parts of the nation.
Prime Minister, Peter O’Neill, recently visited the site and is impressed with the initial phase of construction work at the new tertiary institution.
The Prime Minister said the construction of the university was proceeding well and facilities are taking shape.
“I am impressed with the early construction work on the institutional houses for academic staff, and the administration building of the Western Pacific University’’.
“The Western Pacific University will enroll up to 6,000 students and bring in lecturers and academics from Papua New Guinea and around the Pacific.”
In addition to accommodation facilities on the 19 hectares site, other amenities will include a library, lecture buildings and recreation facilities.
Western Pacific University will become Papua New Guinea’s 5th State-owned university and the 7th in the country.
The newly appointed Higher Secretary for Education, Fr. Jan Czuba, who has been the force behind the Divine Word University in Madang, has been tasked to manage the construction and establishment of the University.
