Minister Raminai congratulates IBS on milestone success

Tuesday, 13th July 2021

Minister for Higher Education, Research, Science and Technology, Hon. Wesley Raminai (right) presenting the degree certificate to a graduand during IBS

Minister for Higher Education, Research, Science & Technology, Hon. Wesley Raminai has congratulated IBS for successfully hosting its first graduation ceremony for its 180 students who have completed various Degree and Diploma programmes at the IBSUniversity.

He thanked IBS Founder Sir Mick Nades for establishing the institution, which has contributed in educating and upskilling students, preparing them to seek employment and live better lives.

Mr. Raminai, who is also the Minister for Sports and Member for Kagua-Erave, on behalf of the current Marape-Basil cabinet pledged the government’s support to ensure IBSUniversity functions as a recognized private university in the country.

He delivered the good news in front of the graduating students, parents and sponsors, stakeholders and visitors, who were all delighted to receive such news.

Minister Raminai and DHERST acting Secretary Dr. Francis Hualopmomi were the guest speakers at the graduation at the IBSUniversity, Mt. Eriama Campus, 11 Mile.

He said that the National Higher and Technical Board in their special meeting held on July 5, 2021, recommended for the Institute of Business Studies to be registered as a private university in accordance with Section 117 (4) of the Higher Education (General Provision) Act of 2014.

Mr. Raminai said records show that IBS is recognized as an institution of Higher Education by the Commissioner on July 25, 2007. The National Executive Council later approved its status as a university and gazette it on January 25, 2017.

DHERST acting Secretary, Dr. Francis Hualopmomi (right) presenting the Bachelor certificate to a graduand. Dr. Hualopmomi was among the invited guest who attended the IBSU first ever graduation ceremony.

“Today also marks the great occasion for me to recognize the existence of IBSUniversity.”

“My predecessors as well as key persons put in-charge to make decision for IBS have failed the institution as they had their own hidden motives.”

“For me, it is the much-awaited good news that I wanted to deliver to IBSUniversity Council Members, Vice Chancellor, students, parents and other stakeholders gathered here that as the Minister responsible, I will act within my powers to make IBSUniversity fully functional, advising and directing IBS to align its effort in meeting certain conduction set by the Department of Higher Education, Research, Science and Technology.”

“I appeal to the IBSUniversity Administrator to work closely with my key staff and acting Secretary Dr. Francis Hualopmomi, and support staff to make this a reality before we go into the 2022 National General Elections,” he said.

Mr. Raminai said for formal registration from the National Executive Council, IBS will be directed to prepare and present a Bill of Act to establish IBS as a private university to him as the Minister for Higher Education, Research, Science and Technology to table in Parliament for enactment.

He also said the University must benefit from the Marape-Basil’s government Higher Education Loan Program (HELP).

Meanwhile, Dr. Hualopmomi urged IBSUniversity to work closely with him and the Department of Higher Education, Research, Science & Technology to ensure the accreditation of courses and programmes.