🏛️ History of PNG University of Technology
Establishment in Port Moresby
In 1965, the Papua New Guinea Institute of Higher Technical Education was established in Port Moresby. This institution aimed to provide advanced technical education to meet the growing needs of the nation.
Relocation to Lae
In 1968, the institution moved to a 500-hectare campus located nine kilometers from the city of Lae, Papua New Guinea’s industrial hub. This relocation was part of a strategic plan to expand and enhance the university’s facilities and programs.
In March 1970, the institution was renamed the Papua New Guinea Institute of Technology (PNGIOT), reflecting its expanded role and recognition as a leading technical education provider in the region.
In August 1973, the institution achieved university status and was officially named the Papua New Guinea University of Technology (PNGUoT). And in September of the same year, the university status was declared by Chief Minister Michael Somare. This milestone marked a significant development in the university’s history, affirming its commitment to higher education and research.
It is one of the six universities in Papua New Guinea and while its sister university, The University of Papua New Guinea (UPNG) in Port Moresby, concentrates mostly on the arts, pure science, law and medicine, The University of Technology is focused mainly with teaching and research in technological or `applied’ subjects.
Today, PNG University of Technology stands as the only technological university in the South Pacific, outside Australia and New Zealand, offering a wide range of programs in engineering, applied sciences, business, and humanities. The university continues to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of Papua New Guinea through quality education and impactful research.
🏛️ Vice-Chancellors of PNG University of Technology
The first Chairman of the Council was Sir Herbert G. Watkins, succeeded by Sir Louis Matheson, Vice Chancellor of Monash University, who became the first Chancellor of the University. Sir Louis retired at the end of 1975 and was succeeded by Sir Alkan Tololo who had been a valuable member of the council since 1969. He was the First citizen chancellor of UPNG and PNGUoT. Mr. Philip Stagg succeeded Alkan Tololo in 2004.
The Foundation Director was Dr. E. Duncanson, who took up his post in 1966. He was succeeded by Dr. J. Sandover as Vice Chancellor. After Dr. Sandover left in 1976, the office was held in an acting capacity for three years by the former Director of the Office of Higher Education, Mr. M. Tigilai, until the next substantive Vice Chancellor, Prof. A. Mead, served from 1979 to 1983.
Dr. M. Moramoro took over and later resigned in 1990. Professor S. Pearse served for an year and was replaced by Mr. M. Baloiloi in 1992. After six years in Unitech, Dr. J. Kaiulo took over in 1997. He resigned in March 2000. Dr. P. Siaguru was appointed Acting Vice Chancellor and had held his position until Mr. Misty Balioloi took up the Appointment in July 2001. He left the University to contest the General Elections in 2012. He was the replaced by Vice Chancellor Dr. Albert Schram took charge on February 2012 until his dismissal.
Since 2004, the university has continued to develop under the leadership of various chancellors and vice chancellors. The current Vice Chancellor, Professor Ora Renagi, has been instrumental in steering the university towards modernizing its infrastructure and expanding its academic programs. Under his leadership, the university has embraced digital learning platforms and strengthened its research capabilities.
