LUFA DDA SIGNS SCHOOL FEE MoU WITH PNGUoT
The Papua New Guinea University of Technology (PNGUoT) and the Lufa District Development Authority (LDDA) signed a five-year Memorandum of Understanding to provide school fee assistance for eligible students from Lufa District late last week.
Vice Chancellor Professor Ora Renagi highlighted the University’s focus on academic excellence, international accreditation of engineering programs, and consecutive years of unqualified financial audits, stressing that transparency in school fee management is vital for all stakeholders.
He noted that the partnership establishes direct communication between the District and the University, while clarifying that it does not guarantee enrolment for students unless they meet the required fee obligations.
“We are very happy to see the government, through the provincial and district level governments, support students’ education. We appreciate the support from the Lufa DDA which will contribute towards the capacity building of human resources in your district.”
LDDA CEO, Mr. Damo Imara, who is also an alumni of the University, expressed appreciation on behalf of Lufa MP and Minister for Environment and Conservation Hon. Simo Kilepa.
He praised PNGUoT for its innovative approach to accountability and student support, noting that students often burden the district office with fee requests and this initiative will greatly help manage those challenges through direct communication with the University.
Mr Imara said it addresses some of the core issues that are faced in the district, especially with the withdrawal of fees to individual students.
“I am very grateful for this initiative undertaken by your administration… We can see the visibility of funds, where the funding is used…or where it has been stored.”
Under the MoU, the LDDA is responsible for determining student eligibility and providing sponsorship funds, while PNGUoT is responsible for administering those funds, ensuring timely disbursement to students and providing acquittals to the district.
Registrar Mrs. Veronica Thomas emphasized that the University is mindful of the development challenges faced by districts and provinces, and is committed to managing school fee funds from the public purse so it serves its intended purpose.
“This policy is to help us manage funds better. Students need to understand that it is government funding that could be used for infrastructure and health services in the respective districts, hence when it is used for school fee assistance, it will serve its purpose for school fees and will not be disbursed to students, ” said Mrs Thomas.
