L-R: Paul Umbe – Team Leader OTDF Education Program Paul Umbe, PNG UoT Associate Deputy Vice Chancellor Professor Garry Sali, OTDF acting CEO Andrew Mari, Vice Chancellor PNG UoT Professor Ora Renagi, and PNG UniTech’s DODL Director/Head of Department & Online Education Associate Professor Fred Ssemugenyi
The Ok Tedi Development Foundation (OTDF) has renewed its partnership agreement with the Papua New Guinea University of Technology (PNG UniTech) in Lae, reaffirming OTDF’s role as an affiliated Distance and Open Learning (DODL) Education Service Provider for communities in mine impact communities and Western Province.
Speaking at the signing on Thursday 2 April at the Council PNGUoT Chamber, representatives from both institutions highlighted the importance of education as a catalyst for sustainable development. The renewed agreement aligns with OTDF’s broader mandate to invest in human capital development and empower local communities through education, skills development, and lifelong learning.
Professor Ora Renagi, Vice Chancellor of the Papua New Guinea University of Technology (PNGUoT) Lae in his welcome remarks said the renewed agreement, signed with PNG UniTech’s DODL Department, strengthens a long-standing collaboration aimed at expanding access to quality tertiary education for students who are unable to pursue on-campus studies. He said: “Through this partnership, learners in remote and rural areas of Western Province will continue to benefit from flexible, technology-supported learning opportunities delivered closer to home”. He added that after students upgrade their marks, the partnership should not be limited to distance education but give opportunity for students to also expand their options given more scholarship by partners and companies to sponsor students to reach their potential, and what more better place to development this but at the PNGUOT.
Associate Professor Garry Sali Deputy Vice Chancellor in support of Professor Renagi said, we have all felt the feeling of accomplishing a goal in life and here we sit. “Through this agreement renewal lets create opportunities for students to complete their studies, graduate and feel that they have fulfilled a lifelong goal in education.”
This continued collaboration is expected to strengthen educational pathways and create new opportunities for students across the province in the years ahead.
According to the Acting OTDF CEO Andrew Mari under the renewed arrangement, OTDF will support the coordination and delivery of UniTech’s accredited DODL programs, including academic administration, student support services, tutorial coordination, and learning facilities. The partnership also reinforces joint commitments to quality assurance, academic integrity, and continuous improvement in distance education delivery.
Mr. Mari said:” At OTDF we recognised that education remains one of the most powerful drivers of sustainable development. Through our Community Mine Continuation Agreement (CMCA) commitments, we are focused on infrastructure, service delivery and investing in people by improving individuals through life skills. The DODL/Adult Matriculation Program is a critical component of this vision. As it provides flexible and inclusive learning opportunities, particularly for rural populations, women and out of school youths, this agreement gives OTDF credibility and strengthening the Organisation presence in Western Province education system.” He said and encourages students that there are opportunities after formal education is completed giving a second chance in education through the OTDF program.
PNG UniTech’s DODL Director/Head of Department & Online Education Associate Professor Fred Ssemugenyi emphasised that the partnership enables the University to reach learners beyond traditional campus boundaries, particularly in geographically challenging regions such as Western Province. “ By working with OTDF as an affiliated service provider, UniTech can ensure that its programs remain accessible, relevant, and responsive to local development needs”.
The renewal of the agreement marks a significant milestone in advancing inclusive education in Western Province. Both OTDF and PNG UniTech reaffirmed their shared vision to nurture a skilled, knowledgeable workforce that can contribute meaningfully to community development and Papua New Guinea’s broader national growth agenda.
