PM Presents K10 Million to IUE at New Akom Cafeteria Luncheon

Prime Minister Hon. James Marape presented K10 million to the Innovative University of Enga (IUE) on Monday, 12 October 2026, during an official luncheon hosted by the university at its new cafeteria at Akom Campus. The announcement signalled the Government’s support for IUE’s continued development and its role in expanding educational opportunities for young people in Enga and Papua New Guinea.

Date	Monday, 12 October 2026
Venue	New Cafeteria, Akom Campus, Innovative University of Enga
Contribution Hosted by	K10 million presented by the Prime MinisterIUE President Dr Brian Davis

The day began with the opening of a new Correctional Service facility at Mukurumanda. The Prime Minister and his delegation later travelled to Akom Campus, where IUE hosted the luncheon.

Education Over Crime

Speaking at the university, Prime Minister Marape commended Enga Governor Grand Chief Sir Peter Ipatas and his team for maintaining their commitment to education and for investing in both infrastructure and people. He also acknowledged IUE President Dr Brian Davis and the university community.

“Governor Ipatas and your team, you are not just doing infrastructure but finding good people. I see a good combination of people here led by President Dr. Davis,” the Prime Minister said.

The Prime Minister urged young people to choose education rather than crime, pointing to education as a force that can transform families and communities across generations.

“Don’t get to the Correctional Service institution. Go down to the university or college, go down the education highway. Without education, some of us would not be here today,” he said.“Education is transformational that goes past one generation.

You educate a mother, you educate a father, they educate their children and it is passed on to the societies and the next generation,” he added.Prime Minister Marape reaffirmed the Government’s willingness to support the province’s education priorities and confirmed the K10 million contribution to IUE.

“We have the Innovative University of Enga, we are giving resources to this and today, I brought a K10 million to pass on to the university,” he said.

He also encouraged IUE to continue developing its campuses, saying the goal was to complete facilities that would bring more young people into higher education.“Keep on building and continue these campuses. I want these campuses completed so more young people come here and don’t go to Mukurumanda,” the Prime Minister said.

IUE President Highlights Peace and International Faculty

In his welcome remarks at the new Akom Cafeteria, IUE President Dr Brian Davis reflected on the improved security and peace around the university’s campuses. He said the morning’s Correctional Service facility opening had brought security into focus, but noted the commitment of local communities to protecting IUE and its future.

He also acknowledged the role of communities in sustaining peace and creating an environment where students and staff can focus on education.“Sopas, we are secure. Irelya, we are secure. Akom, we are secure. When my wife and I travel from Mt Hagen, we cross the border gate into Enga, we are secure,” he said.

Dr Davis also revealed that IUE had around 15 international faculty and staff working across its three campuses, with plans to increase that number to 25 by February.“Something of the order of fifteen foreign faculty and staff working at IUE. To my knowledge that might be the most of any institution in PNG. By February we are planning to expand that to twenty-five,” he said.Concluding his remarks, Dr Davis said the university was committed to serving Enga and the nation, describing the opening of the new cafeteria as a significant milestone for IUE and the province.“The future is bright in Enga. We serve Enga.

We serve PNG. I am very privileged to be here to share this first meal in this brand-new facility at Akom. What a big step this is for IUE. What a big step this is for Enga,” he said.The Prime Minister congratulated Governor Ipatas, the Enga Provincial Government, Dr Davis, IUE faculty and staff, students, and the wider community for their contributions to education and the university’s development.IUE supports quality teaching, research and service across its three campuses for Enga Province and Papua New Guinea.

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