The Department of Forestry at the University of Technology completed its second part of signing the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Papua New Guinea Forest Authority (PNGFA).

This second part of the signing saw the University’s Vice Chancellor, Professor Ora Renagi signing the MoU.

The MoU signed by Vice Chancellor Proffesor Renagi, is a milestone achievement for both the University and the Department of Forestry because the University is undertaking major reforms in the curricula and academic programs across all the academic departments of the University.

That MoU has four objectives from the outset; 1. Foster forestry education, training, and research between the PNGFA and PNGUoT, 2. PNGFA to provide cadetship training, 3. PNGFA to provide Professional Work Experience Training for students and 4. PNGUoT to provide training to PNGFA employees to upgrade their qualifications.

The first part of this MoU signing took place at the Forestry Research Conference on the 24th -25th of August and was witnessed by the Minister for Forests, Honorable Salio Waipo, and other delegates from PNGFA Directorates, Department of National Planning, RST Secretariat, and NGOs.

Head of the Department of Forestry, Dr. Cossey Yosi stated that with the signing of the MoU, he would like to see the stakeholders including PNGFA and the Forest Industries play an active role in the review of the department’s curricula and the academic programs that the department delivers.

This is important for the graduates who are produced to be employment-ready and are able to meet the industry expectations.