The Somare Institute of Leadership and Governance (SILAG) has taken a major step toward achieving university status after completing a key set of accreditation requirements mandated by the Department of Higher Education, Research, Science and Technology (DHERST).

The milestone follows a week-long intensive workshop in Port Moresby, where senior institute staff developed critical academic and governance documents required under DHERST's university accreditation framework.

The workshop, coordinated by the SILAG University Accreditation and Establishment Working Committee (UAEWC), resulted in the completion of 36 key documents, including governance committee terms of reference, institutional policies and narratives addressing national accreditation standards.

Executive Director for Higher Learning and Research, Professor Maretta Kula-Semos, described the achievement as a significant breakthrough in SILAG's transition toward becoming a specialized public service university by 2027.

"These documents are not just administrative checklists," Professor Kula-Semos said.

"They are highly intellectual, academically rigorous frameworks that form the foundation of a credible and sustainable university."

The completed requirements include seven governance committees in terms of reference, 17 institutional policy documents and 12 narratives addressing DHERST standards.

SILAG Chief Executive Officer Michael Barobe praised the efforts of the working committee and staff involved in the process.

"This is one of the most important DHERST requirements on our path to university status," Mr. Barobe said.

"We are now one step closer to realizing our goal, and it's all thanks to the relentless efforts of our team."

The institute aims to become Papua New Guinea's first specialized university dedicated to leadership, governance and public service education.

The accreditation process forms part of SILAG's strategic goal of attaining full university status by 2027, expanding its academic programmes and strengthening research capacity.

Mr. Barobe said the institute remains focused on meeting the remaining accreditation benchmarks, including infrastructure development, programme accreditation and stakeholder engagement.

With the latest milestone completed, SILAG is positioning itself to play a greater role in developing future leaders for Papua New Guinea's public sector.