SILAG prepares to meet DHERST standards for University Accreditation
The Somare Institute of Leadership and Governance (SILAG) has marked a significant milestone in its journey toward becoming a specialized public service university by 2027. A one-week intensive write shop was held at Tuna Bay Resort, Port Moresby to prepare the critical academic and governance requirements of the Department of Higher Education, Research, Science & Technology (DHERST).
The workshop, organized by the SILAG University Accreditation and Establishment Working Committee (UAEWC), brought together key senior staff of the institute for five rigorous days of writing the narratives, policies and committee terms of references for the DHERST standards. The outcome—a comprehensive set of documents essential for university accreditation—was formally presented to SILAG Management on Friday 5 June 2026, signaling a transformative moment in the institute’s evolution.
According to Professor Maretta Kula-Semos, Executive Director for Higher Learning and Research, the Committee successfully finalized three core components required by DHERST:
1. 7 x Governance Committee Terms of Reference (ToR)
2. 17 x Institutional Policy Documents
3. 12 x Narratives for DHERST Standards
“These documents are not just administrative checklists,” emphasized Professor Kula-Semos. “They are highly intellectual, academically rigorous frameworks that form the foundation of a credible, sustainable university. I am proud to announce that our special university preparations Committee has completed all these requirements during this intensive workshop.”
The achievement aligns with Papua New Guinea’s Medium-Term Development Plan IV (2023–2027), which prioritizes strengthening national institutions through enhanced governance, leadership, and access to quality higher education. SILAG’s transition into a specialized public service university is a strategic response to this national vision.
SILAG Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Michael Barobe, commended the Committee for their dedication and professionalism. “This is a huge and very important task—one of the most vital DHERST requirements on our path to university status,” he said. “We are now one step closer to realizing our goal, and it’s all thanks to the relentless efforts of our team.”
Reflecting on the collaborative spirit that drove the workshop, CEO Barobe added, “Teamwork makes (the) dream work.”
He also acknowledged the pivotal role of Professor Kula-Semos, whose leadership and academic expertise have accelerated the progress of the preparations. “We are grateful she joined SILAG to provide the know-how needed to meet all DHERST requirements and position us for success.”
Mr. Robert Nemala, Chairman of SILAG UEAWC, echoed the sentiment of gratitude and achievement. “We thank the SILAG Management for the trust they have placed in us,” he said. “This Committee has worked cohesively and meaningfully to contribute to the institution’s growth. What we’ve accomplished is not just a procedural milestone—it’s a foundation for the future of public service education in Papua New Guinea.”
The completion of these requirements marks a turning point for SILAG, which has long served as a premier institution for leadership and governance training. As it transitions toward full university status, SILAG aims to expand its academic offerings, strengthen research capacity, and produce graduates equipped to lead in public service at all levels of the Government.
With the 2027 target firmly in sight, SILAG’s leadership remains focused on meeting the remaining benchmarks, including infrastructure development, program accreditation, and stakeholder engagement.
As Professor Kula-Semos affirmed, “We are not just building a university—we are building a legacy of excellence in leadership and governance for generations to come.
Source: SILAG via Facebook
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