Philippine Christian University Partnership Lifts Waigani Christian College to University Level

Port Moresby, 3 December 2025 — Waigani Christian College (WCC) has officially been elevated to university status through a landmark partnership with the Philippine Christian University (PCU), marking one of the most significant private-sector advances in Papua New Guinea’s higher education sector.

The announcement was made by the Minister for Higher Education, Research, Science and Technology, Hon. Kinoka Feo, during the grand opening of the PCU–WCC partnership and the launch of the institution’s new website at the Waigani campus today.

Minister Feo said the institution’s journey to becoming a university was achieved through a rigorous, lawful process that ensured all quality and regulatory standards were met. He recalled being approached earlier this year by Founder Hon. Benjamin Mul and Principal Abakure Kaupa, requesting university recognition.

“I told them clearly — there is a standard process, and there are no shortcuts. University is the highest level of education in the country, and it must follow the law,” he said.

He said WCC met all requirements after forming a strategic partnership with PCU, a global institution with more than 75,000 students across 35 countries, and whose online learning systems he personally inspected during a visit to the Philippines.

“I was blown away with the level of technology. One university alone has 75,000 students — more than the entire higher education capacity of PNG’s 64 institutions combined,” he said.

Minister Feo presented the official four-year registration certificate, confirming PCU as a recognised higher education provider in PNG from 26 November 2025 to 26 November 2029.

“This marks a new era. Your graduates do not need to travel overseas. You can complete your degree right here at home,” he said.

The Minister said PNG’s higher education system faces severe space shortages, with 35,000 students completing Grade 12 next year, but only 25,000 available spaces in existing universities.

“Institutions like this will help close that gap. With online learning, there is no limitation. As long as you have internet, you can study anywhere,” he said.

College Principal Abakure Kaupa said the Minister’s announcement marked a major breakthrough for the school, its students, and surrounding communities.

“Now that we are recognised, students who complete Grade 12 here can progress directly into university level right on this campus,” he said.

He said the institution had already prepared facilities for the expanded academic programs and confirmed that WCC is now officially listed on the Higher Education Department’s online selection system.

“Students who choose PCU will be selected automatically into our programs. This is a major step forward,” Kaupa said.

Founder and North Waghi MP Hon. Benjamin Mul called the achievement a “great blessing” and thanked God, the Minister, and parents for supporting the college’s vision.

“This is a big day for the people of NCD and the people of Papua New Guinea. We are ordinary people, but God has used us as vessels to do something for our country,” he said.

Mul said WCC already hosts a vice-chancellor from PCU with seven staff members on the ground and plans are underway to expand to Lae, Goroka and Chimbu to absorb more students who miss out on limited university spaces.

“We want to help the government accommodate more Grade 12 school-leavers who have no place to go. Today is a great achievement for this school,” he said.

The launch of the PCU–WCC partnership signals the emergence of a powerful new model for higher education access — combining international partnerships, technology-driven learning, and faith-based values.

Minister Feo, who departed the event to attend World Bank and ADB meetings in Manila, said more reforms and international partnerships are coming, including a new Queensland TAFE initiative for 10 technical colleges.

“We want our graduates to not only find jobs in PNG, but to qualify for work anywhere in the world,” he said.

The ceremony concluded with applause from students, parents, staff and guests — marking the official birth of the PCU–WCC University Program, now open and recognised across Papua New Guinea.

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