My Journey as Vice-Chancellor: Driving Educational Change in Papua New Guinea

In 2012, I embarked on an incredible journey as the Vice-Chancellor of the Papua New Guinea University of Technology. It was a childhood dream come true—an opportunity to make a real difference in a country close to my heart. Over the next six years, I poured my energy into transforming the university to better serve its students and the nation.

One of my proudest achievements was making the university the first in the world to provide campus-wide broadband internet via the innovative O3B satellite system. This was a game-changer, opening up a world of knowledge and collaboration for our students and faculty. We also became the first university in PNG to adopt open-source Ubuntu software on all student laptops, empowering them with valuable IT skills.  

Improving governance and transparency was another key focus. In an unprecedented move, we became the first university from the South Pacific to sign the Magna Carta Universitatum in Bologna—a powerful symbol of our commitment to academic integrity. Through rigorous cost management, I also secured the university's first-ever clean financial audit, a groundbreaking accomplishment in PNG's public university system.

Investing in our human capital was a top priority. Between 2014 and 2017, we sent an astonishing 77 staff members abroad for advanced training, including 27 for doctoral studies—a feat unmatched in the university's history. This capacity building initiative strengthened our faculty and positioned us for long-term success.

We also pioneered several "firsts" in technology adoption. Beyond the O3B satellite internet and Ubuntu software rollouts, we facilitated the creation of Tune-Pro and IT business incubator and "internet in a box"—an innovative system that made teaching materials accessible to students even in areas with limited power and connectivity. By harnessing the power of technology, we broke down barriers to learning and empowered our students to thrive in the digital age.

Of course, the journey was not without challenges. Driving change meant rocking the boat at times, which was not always well-received. The biggest disappointment was when the university council disbanded the student representative council that had been so supportive of our reforms. Navigating complex political dynamics while staying true to our principles required resilience and fortitude.

But there were countless moments of joy too. Seeing our students excel with the new educational opportunities was immensely rewarding. I'll never forget the outpouring of support from students after my return from a 5-week standoff with the PNG government over governance issues. Their enthusiasm fueled my determination to keep fighting for positive change.

Beyond the university itself, some of the most meaningful experiences came through engaging with local communities. My wife and I were adopted into Busamang village, working closely with the inspiring women and men there. Supporting their efforts to improve healthcare, education and infrastructure was a humbling privilege. From training nurses and midwives to providing essential medical supplies, our partnership made a tangible difference in people's lives. 

Looking back, I'm filled with gratitude for the incredible people—from students to faculty to community members—who made this journey so worthwhile. Together, we opened up new possibilities powered by technology, transparency, and a shared commitment to educational excellence. The PNG experience reinforced my belief in the transformative power of education and the importance of resilient, principled leadership.

To my readers, I hope my story encourages you to dream big and persist through adversity in driving positive change, wherever your own journey leads. The road may be winding and steep, but the view from the top is worth it. As we navigate the challenges and opportunities ahead in higher education, may we never lose sight of what matters most—empowering learners and strengthening communities for a brighter future. The story of the Papua New Guinea University of Technology is still being written, and I'm honored to have played a part in shaping its future. Onward and upward!

Sources:

For all details, see a series of blogposts I published earlier:

https://albertschram.blogspot.com/2023/08/how-i-wish-to-measure-my-life-and-career.html
http://albertschram.blogspot.com/2019/07/a-childhood-dream-experiences-of-vice.html
http://albertschram.blogspot.com/2019/08/employable-graduates-experiences-of.html
http://albertschram.blogspot.com/2019/08/the-student-movement-experience-of-vice.html
https://albertschram.blogspot.com/2019/08/the-staff-organizations-experiences-of.html
https://albertschram.blogspot.com/2019/10/the-opportunity-cost-of-navel-gazing.html