PNG Parliament unanimously passes Pacific Adventist University Bill 2026

 PNG Parliament unanimously passes Pacific Adventist University Bill 2026

Papua New Guinea Parliament has given unanimous backing to the Pacific Adventist University Bill 2026, a move Prime Minister James Marape says will modernise the legal standing of one of the country's leading tertiary institutions and support the Government's drive to build a stronger future workforce. The Bill sailed through with 62 votes in favour and zero against, a result the Prime Minister called a landmark moment for higher education in PNG.

 

PM Marape used the occasion to praise Higher Education, Research, Science and Technology Minister Kinoka Feo for guiding the legislation through the House, while also thanking the Pacific Adventist University Council, the Seventh-day Adventist Church and other partners who contributed to the reform.

"This unanimous vote demonstrates Parliament's shared commitment to education and to building the human capital that Papua New Guinea needs to achieve its Vision 2050 aspirations," he said in a statement.

According to the Prime Minister, the new law replaces the university's ageing 1997 Act, bringing its governance structure in line with modern higher education standards and giving the institution greater accountability and autonomy.

"Education remains one of the most powerful investments any nation can make. Today's decision ensures that Pacific Adventist University is equipped with a modern legal framework that will allow it to continue producing graduates who will serve our nation with distinction," he said.

He linked the reform to the Government's wider plan to strengthen tertiary institutions across the country, describing universities as more than academic institutions.

"Universities are not simply places of learning; they are centres of innovation, research, leadership and nation-building," he said. "Our Government is committed to ensuring that both public and private higher education institutions operate under legislative frameworks that promote excellence, transparency and international competitiveness."

The Prime Minister also paid tribute to the Seventh-day Adventist Church for decades of service in PNG's education and health sectors.

"The Seventh-day Adventist Church has made an enormous contribution to our country through its schools, university, hospitals and health services," he said, noting that Pacific Adventist University graduates now serve across government, business, healthcare, education and ministry.

Tying the legislation to PNG's 50th anniversary celebrations, PM Marape said the Government was building foundations for the next half-century.

"As we celebrate Papua New Guinea's 50th anniversary, we are also laying the foundations for the next 50 years. Investing in our universities means investing in our young people, our future leaders and the long-term prosperity of our nation," he said. "I thank all Members of Parliament for their unanimous support of this important legislation. This is a victory for education, for our young people and for Papua New Guinea."