History

The University of Goroka (UOG) is the third largest of the six universities in Papua New Guinea (PNG), and is by far the largest teacher education institution. The University was formed in 1997 from two faculties of the University of Papua New Guinea (UPNG), Goroka Teacher’s College (GTC) and the Faculty of Education. Integration and expansion in Goroka has allowed their programs to be rationalized and upgraded through continuous review.

UOG’s antecedents date back to 1961, when Goroka Teacher’s College commenced primary teacher training under the Department of Education. In 1968, the College converted to secondary teacher training, and it became part of the UPNG in 1975. The College mainly concentrated on pre-service undergraduate diploma programs for secondary teachers, although it also trained teachers in Agriculture, Health, Secretarial Studies, and Technical Education. Over the years, intake standards and the length of its main courses increased. In the meantime, the Faculty of Education had started in 1970 at UPNG to offer bachelor degrees in Education, later offering these as pre-service and in-service programs, as well as establishing diploma and post-graduate programs. The programs were targeted at a mix of primary and secondary teachers, primary teacher educators, and educational administrators.

In 1992, as a result of the National Education Reform and PNG’s Higher Education Plan, the UPNG Council decided to unify teacher education programs in Goroka. In 1995, the Goroka Campus of UPNG enrolled its first Bachelor of Education (BEd) intake. Postgraduate Diploma in Education (PGDE), BEd Honours and Master of Education (MEd) degree students were admitted in subsequent years. The Government of Papua New Guinea declared the University of Goroka to be a fully-fledged University in 1997.

The University of Goroka Overview

The traditional purpose of UOG has been to prepare beginning teachers for secondary schools. Additionally, a substantial number of students are experienced professionals from the elementary, primary, secondary, vocational and technical school systems who study for in-service qualifications to upgrade their professional expertise and subject knowledge.

The University also has a post graduate program in Education and content subjects, which allows students to study for high level professional qualifications at honours, mater and doctorate levels.

Due to rapid expansion, the various programs and courses of the University offered through the Education, Science and Humanities Faculties and are not limited to only teaching. Students may also choose to study courses from any faculty, to specialise in their fields without becoming teachers. The newest and fastest growing courses on offer at UOG are two additional programs from the Health section of the Science Faculty: the Postgraduate Diploma in Clinical Maternal and Child Health, and the Bachelor degree in Clinical Maternal Child Health. *(See University Faculties & Programs for more information)

Vision Statement

To be Melanesia’s leading University committed to the development of a climate of excellence, to be recognised as a source of innovation in teaching and learning and to lead the region in the integration of research, scholarship and community development.

Mission Statement

To transform lives, organisations and communities in Melanesia and beyond, through its wide range of quality education programs, highly skilled and experienced staff and inspirational graduates.

Core Values

We believe in :

• Providing education that is accessible, equitable and empowering for all
• Promoting excellence in teaching, research, scholarship and community service
• Sustaining and promoting diverse Melanesian cultural heritage
• Forging collaborations and partnerships with other institutions and organisations
• Producing creative and dynamic agents of constructive change
• Recognising competent and competitive staff from within and abroad
• Upholding harmonious relationships between and among all sectors of the community
• Promoting gender equity, equal opportunity and universal Human Rights
• Practicing principles of good governance, accountability and transparency; and
• Upholding Christian principles

University Colours & Insignia

The official colours of the University of Goroka are: red, green and gold. The red and gold represent the national colours of PNG, and the green represents the tropical rainforest and the rich agricultural resources of the country.

The Insignia comprises two circles, the inner one green and the outer red which serve as the borders. The inner circle borders a Bird of Paradise with its tail forming the letter “G” for Goroka. A pig’s tusk forms the letter “U” for University. The two circles represent the world at large and the world of learning. The book represents the academic and intellectual community of the University. The wavy lines indicate the sea and symbolise the island and coastal provinces of PNG. The mountain represents the Highland Provinces. The pig tusk symbolises the importance of the pig in the traditional culture of the Highlands. The Bird of Paradise is the used also as it is the national emblem of PNG.

The philosophical foundations underlying the motto “Creating the Future” were chosen for the University because:

• All persons are endowed with a creative intellectual capacity
• Finding solutions to challenges requires creativity from individuals
• Learning activities at the University of Goroka aim to encourage and promote intellectual and effective activity,
• The University is mandated to aid individuals to develop their capacities so they can identify issues and challenges in their society, and to help them find creative solutions to those challenges.