A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was recently signed by The University of Papua New Guinea and the Port Moresby Business College, at The University of Papua New Guinea, and paves the way for other business colleges to undertake higher level Certificate and Degree studies.
The MoU is to accredit the Diploma in Business Accounting Program at Port Moresby Business College and gives the opportunity for its students to enroll at UPNG to complete their Bachelor in Accounting over two years.
The School of Business and Public Policy, Head of Accounting, Mr. Panditha Bandara said, “This opportunity is available only to accredited institutions. Currently, the Diploma in Accounting or Diploma in Business Accounting Program, is offered by five technical and business colleges in the country. They are Port Moresby Business College, Goroka Technical College, Kokopo Business College, Madang Technical College, and the National Polytech Institute in Lae. However, only the Port Moresby Business College and the Goroka Technical College are accredited.”
Students who apply to UPNG from other institutions that are not accredited are not considered. “This MOU is not only for the accreditation of the Diploma in Business Accounting Program and allowing students to join the University, but also to assist in staff development and student learning, by conducting training, workshops, and guest lectures upon request,” he said.
This is the second MOU to be signed between the two institutions. The first MOU was signed on 2 June 2014 at the request of the Port Moresby Business College. However, it expired in 2017.
UPNG’s Vice-Chancellor Frank Griffin, added that this type of partnership gives students a second chance and allows for human resource capacity building. This MOU provides a pathway for students who wish to enter the Diploma Program in Accounting at Port Moresby Business College and similarly at the Goroka Technical College, in order to progress to a Degree Program.
Ms. Carmela Mokulubeta, the Principal of the Port Moresby Business College, expressed her gratitude to UPNG once again, for making this opportunity available, and will inform the students that the Degree in Accountancy through UPNG, is open for them as a result of this MoU.