Prime /minister to officiate at UNRE graduation

By UNRE Public Relations

 

Prime Minister of Papua New Guinea Grand Chief Sir Michael Somare will present the keynote address at the 13^th annual graduation ceremony of Papua New Guinea University of Natural Resources & Environment tomorrow.

Sir Michael, who is expected to arrive in the province tomorrow morning on the government jet, Kumul, will officiate at the ceremony as the keynote speaker.

Guest speaker will be Professor David Kavanamur, chairman of the National Strategic Plan Taskforce that produced the PNG Vision 2050.

Hundreds are expected to turn-up at the University’s Vudal campus to get a glimpse of the ‘Father of the Nation’.

Since word of the possible presence of the Prime Minister at the ceremony spread two weeks ago, the campus has been a hive of activity, with staff and students alike preparing to receive him.

His presence adds significance to the annual ceremony which for the first time is being held in the beginning of the year unlike the traditional November ceremonies held previously.

Students from both of the University’s campuses - Vudal and Popondetta – will receive their qualifications.

The Grand Chief will witness the culmination of years of study and commitment of 126 students.

Damien Toki will graduate with a Masters degree in management while 13 of his postgraduate course mates will receive graduate certificates in management.

In the undergraduate stream, 23 students will receive bachelor degrees of tropical agriculture, while 89 students will receive diplomas in tropical agriculture. 45 of these diplomats come from the University’s Popondetta campus.

The students were originally scheduled to graduate two weeks ago; however, the ceremony was deferred after acting Secretary to the Department of Prime Minister & National Executive Council and Pro-Chancellor, Margaret Elias, advised Vice Chancellor Professor Philip Siaguru of the Prime Minister’s desire to personally attend the event.

Preparations for Sir Michael’s visit have not been restricted to the University. Local communities have cleaned up along the road and students from several primary schools have indicated that they will line up along the road with flags to welcome him this morning as he travels to the University campus.