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DWU, East Sepik Government Sign Five-Year Partnership
Posted by: Sarah Sidney

DWU, East Sepik Government Sign Five-Year Partnership

Wewak, Papua New Guinea – Divine Word University (DWU) St Benedict’s Campus and the East Sepik Provincial Government (ESPG) have signed a five-year Memorandum of Partnership (MoP) that will strengthen higher education and accelerate the long-term development of the University's Wewak Campus. Running from August 2026 to August 2031, the strategic partnership reflects a shared commitment to expanding access to quality tertiary education while developing the skilled workforce needed to drive East Sepik's future social and economic growth.
 
The landmark agreement establishes a collaborative framework under which the East Sepik Provincial Government will provide financial support for campus infrastructure development and operational funding, while Divine Word University will lead the planning, design, implementation, management and reporting of approved projects. The partnership demonstrates the shared commitment of the Provincial Government and the University to investing in education as a catalyst for sustainable development and improved opportunities for the people of East Sepik Province.
The partnership will support the expansion of tertiary education opportunities by improving educational infrastructure, increasing student enrolment capacity, introducing new academic and professional programmes, and strengthening technical and professional workforce development aligned with the province's current and future needs.
 
As DWU's presence in East Sepik continues to grow, the partnership will enable the Wewak Campus to expand its capacity to deliver programmes that respond directly to provincial priorities while providing greater opportunities for young people to pursue quality higher education closer to home.
Infrastructure investments under the partnership may include new academic buildings, student accommodation, staff housing, libraries, laboratories, workshops, ICT facilities, water and power infrastructure, roads, solar energy systems, campus security infrastructure, recreational facilities and other developments essential to the continued growth of the Wewak Campus.
The agreement also provides for recurrent operational funding to support programme expansion, teaching and learning resources, laboratory equipment, programme accreditation, student practical training, industry engagement, academic quality improvement and community outreach initiatives, ensuring that the University's academic programmes continue to meet the evolving needs of students and industry.
 
To ensure transparency and accountability, the Memorandum establishes clear governance, financial management, procurement, monitoring and reporting arrangements. A Joint Steering Committee comprising representatives of both organizations will oversee implementation, while regular progress reports, financial acquittals and independent audits will ensure the responsible and transparent management of public funds.
Leaders from both organizations welcomed the partnership, describing it as a significant investment in the future of higher education and human capital development in East Sepik Province.
DWU President, Professor Fr. Philip Gibbs, SVD, said:
“We are proud to support this partnership, which strongly reflects Divine Word University’s vision and mission of making quality education accessible and creating opportunities that transform lives. As DWU celebrates its 30th anniversary, this partnership with the East Sepik Provincial Administration is a powerful reflection of our continued commitment to serving communities, strengthening provincial partnerships, and investing in the future of Papua New Guinea. We believe that by bringing quality education closer to our students, we are not only opening doors for young people in East Sepik, but also contributing to the long-term development of the province and the nation.”
 
Speaking on behalf of the East Sepik Governor and the Provincial Administration, Acting Deputy Provincial Administrator – Social Services, Mr. Immanuel Warvi ToMarum, said:
“This partnership is something the East Sepik Governor Hon. Allan Bird and the Provincial Administration have long envisioned for the students of East Sepik Province, and we are pleased to see it become a reality. Too often, our students face challenges when they have to leave the province to pursue quality education. Through this partnership, we hope to create greater access to quality education right here in East Sepik, giving our young people more opportunities to learn, grow, and succeed within their own province.”
 
The Memorandum establishes a five-year partnership from August 2026 to August 2031, with provision for renewal by mutual agreement following a review of its performance. Together, Divine Word University and the East Sepik Provincial Government look forward to working collaboratively to deliver lasting educational, social and economic benefits for the people of East Sepik Province.
 

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