NCDC takes Control of Education Services in Port Moresby

 The National Capital District has formally assumed greater control over its education system, with Education Minister Francis Kikin Siune handing responsibility for the NCD Education Services Division to the National Capital District Commission.

The ceremony at Butuka Academy on Thursday marked the final stage of a 10-year process to bring the administration of education in the capital under the same decentralised structure operating across Papua New Guinea's provinces.

NCD Governor Powes Parkop, MPs from the three NCD electorates, senior education officers and NCDC executives witnessed the handover.

Under the new arrangement, NCDC will oversee basic education services in the capital, including early childhood, primary, secondary and vocational education.

Siune said NCD had been the only area that had not operated under the same provincial education management structure as the rest of the country.

“This morning's ceremony is setting a new moment in history for education. It is the work that started 10 years ago for the transfer of core administrative functions and powers of National Capital District Education Services Division from the Department of Education to the National Capital District Commission,” he said.

He credited Governor Parkop for consistently pursuing the transfer and also recognised the work of the Department of Education and NCDC Joint Working Committee.

“I commend the NCD Governor Hon. Powes Parkop for the leadership and especially his persistent follow up and directions for the transfer of powers and functions of NCD Education Services to NCDC,” Siune said.

The Minister said the handover would now require NCDC to develop policies suited to the capital while maintaining consistency with national education laws.

The Education Bill 2026 is expected to provide the legislative framework for the transfer, with Siune describing the period ahead as one of transition.

He warned that any new policies introduced by NCDC must remain consistent with the Education Act and Teachers Service Commission Act.

Siune also urged the city administration to use its new powers to promote innovation in schools.

He highlighted the Accelerated Christian Education programme being trialled in 14 NCD schools and said such initiatives should be supported where they improve opportunities for students.

Turning to infrastructure, the Minister said NCD schools needed greater attention, with some requiring major upgrading and expansion.

He said the transfer should make it easier to assign responsibility for addressing those needs.

“Hon. Governor, the Department has struggled to support our schools but with the transfer of powers and functions I know and trust that you and your team will do a better job-to deliver quality education services to our children in NCD,” he said.

Technology will also form part of the new education agenda.

Siune pointed to the Department's ICT Policy and EDUNEX, an AI-powered Learning Management System being piloted in the seven National Schools of Excellence.

He challenged NCDC to consider extending similar digital learning initiatives across secondary schools in the capital.

“Governor Parkop, we know you have a million ideas, and the transfer today will empower you to make some of your ideas become a reality,” Siune said.

The Minister said his expectation was for NCD to set a national benchmark in education infrastructure, teaching quality and support services.

He expressed confidence that the city's new responsibility could lead to broader improvements in education.

“I personally have the best hope and believe that Governor Parkop and NCDC will TRANSFORM education in NCD and make the education system in NCD the role model and the envy of Papua New Guinea,” he said.